First Follow-Up Testing

Hi Y'All,

Yes, I'm still here. I've been looking in on the group frequently, but have only post rarely since the first of the year. I have gotten continually busier, but that's not an excuse. Unfortunately, I have had to spend a ridiculous amount of time catching up with a few small business accounting records in preparation for tax season. Still, no excuse not to stop and say Hi when I'm here. Sorry.

And now I have a selfish reason for posting. Tomorrow I go down to Houston (MD Anderson) for the full battery of tests to determine if my lymphoma has remained in remission. Testing tomorrow and Friday -- results next Tuesday.

The good news is that I really don't think there will be any problem. I have continued to feel better each week. For several weeks now I've been back on a consistent exercise program. It includes indoor rowing and because of the available stats for that, I know that I still have a long way to go to reach the fitness level that I was at before - but it is progressing.

All in all, I am highly confident that the results will be positive. (I'm mostly hoping that the dadgum IV won't hurt as much as it did the time before last.) (I'm a wuss.)

I know there has been some good news and some bad news from folks here in the blog. Whether I write it or not, you all still have my heartfelt best wishes for swift and complete healing.

I'll confirm with you next week on my good report.

As always, thanks for all you thoughts and prayers.

Tom (DLBCL-Stage 4-7/10-Remission)

Comments

  • allmost60
    allmost60 Member Posts: 3,178 Member
    checking in...
    Hey Tom...I "knew" you would be checking in on us. Now you need to know that we will be thinking only "good positive thoughts" with your check-up. If your feeling good, then thats a pretty good indication that everything will probably be just fine. We will be anxiously waiting to hear your results. Have a safe trip to Houston.
    Best wishes friend...Sue (FNHL-2-3A-6/10)
    P.S. I'm doing just fine and dandy..no complaints! (O:
  • Michele23
    Michele23 Member Posts: 168
    allmost60 said:

    checking in...
    Hey Tom...I "knew" you would be checking in on us. Now you need to know that we will be thinking only "good positive thoughts" with your check-up. If your feeling good, then thats a pretty good indication that everything will probably be just fine. We will be anxiously waiting to hear your results. Have a safe trip to Houston.
    Best wishes friend...Sue (FNHL-2-3A-6/10)
    P.S. I'm doing just fine and dandy..no complaints! (O:

    Good thoughts
    Hey Tom,Ask them to use a butterfly needle they don't hurt as bad.Stay well.Michele
  • miss maggie
    miss maggie Member Posts: 929
    Hi Tom
    You have a very good outlook, therefore, everything will be fine. I think our bodies tell us when something is wrong. Your body is telling you everything is OK.

    Good luck tomorrow. Hmmm, I am a bit confused? What kind of an IV would hurt? I am pasting the sentence from your post. Maggie

    All in all, I am highly confident that the results will be positive. (I'm mostly hoping that the dadgum IV won't hurt as much as it did the time before last.) (I'm a wuss.)
  • tcvine
    tcvine Member Posts: 174

    Hi Tom
    You have a very good outlook, therefore, everything will be fine. I think our bodies tell us when something is wrong. Your body is telling you everything is OK.

    Good luck tomorrow. Hmmm, I am a bit confused? What kind of an IV would hurt? I am pasting the sentence from your post. Maggie

    All in all, I am highly confident that the results will be positive. (I'm mostly hoping that the dadgum IV won't hurt as much as it did the time before last.) (I'm a wuss.)

    Of IV's and Wusses
    Hi Maggie,

    As far as the IV, all I know is that they give me 2 or 3 different IV injections during the day. One of them requires only a small needle, but they say that the other one requires a really big Mother of a needle. And they can't use my port because of possible contamination. Obviously, I just get the one large IV done because that can be used by all procedures. Last time was OK. She did fine. Possibly, in part, because I threatened to slap her upside the head if she hurt me like the nurse did the time before. The time before must have been a very dull needle because it hurt so bad I literally slid off the chair and was ON THE FLOOR by the time she got that sucker in. AND it hurt all day long! And I have great veins, so that was not the problem.

    Anyway, it's a very small issue in the overall scheme of things - but you asked. That really has only happened once, so, again, I'm hopeful that all will be well tomorrow. As we all know, it is a long day of testing and not overly comfortable - but it is just one day.

    I'll check back in next week after results.
    Very best thoughts and wishes to you all.
    Tom (DLBCL-Stage 4-7/10-Remission)
  • miss maggie
    miss maggie Member Posts: 929
    tcvine said:

    Of IV's and Wusses
    Hi Maggie,

    As far as the IV, all I know is that they give me 2 or 3 different IV injections during the day. One of them requires only a small needle, but they say that the other one requires a really big Mother of a needle. And they can't use my port because of possible contamination. Obviously, I just get the one large IV done because that can be used by all procedures. Last time was OK. She did fine. Possibly, in part, because I threatened to slap her upside the head if she hurt me like the nurse did the time before. The time before must have been a very dull needle because it hurt so bad I literally slid off the chair and was ON THE FLOOR by the time she got that sucker in. AND it hurt all day long! And I have great veins, so that was not the problem.

    Anyway, it's a very small issue in the overall scheme of things - but you asked. That really has only happened once, so, again, I'm hopeful that all will be well tomorrow. As we all know, it is a long day of testing and not overly comfortable - but it is just one day.

    I'll check back in next week after results.
    Very best thoughts and wishes to you all.
    Tom (DLBCL-Stage 4-7/10-Remission)

    OK
    Hi Tom, I look forward to hearing from you next week. Yes,it is a small issue in the
    scheme of things. But, pain is pain. Not something we look forward to.

    Hmmm, keep an eye open for that darn nurse that hurt you. I would insist on another nurse if you see her walking your way.

    I remember when I Had my Rituxan treatment. There was this one nurse, and she was wonderful.
    For the next 3 weeks I always looked for her, and insisted she do all needle procedures. The other nurses truly understood my fear.

    By the time you read this you will be home. I certainly hope all the testing was easier this time.

    Love Maggie