October 22, 2019 Update
So, this was the summer of really learning to “let it go”. While my medical folks worked with a few different protocols I tootled around in the garden, hung out with old and new friends and bugged the staff as much as I could at the clinic. It was a waiting time to see what the next step should be. I learned a lot, but more on that later.
And just when you think you have figured out……………... My October visit to Mayo was much more dynamic then the March go around. Of course, a lot of that was do to the fact I learned you really need a travel buddy when you go to these appointments. Going alone is, well, lonely. I found I was much more confident about listening and not missing things. I dragged my travel buddy around St. Mary’s Hospital pointing out where I had procedures done, where the emergency entrance was etc. I didn’t realize I had a few demons to “exercise” or exorcise, depending on which side of the bed you woke up on. I kept expecting a giant nasal/gastric tube to leap out at me. It didn’t and we even found more beautiful nooks and crannies to explore.
Yes, I have possible bone metastasis but no bone damage. Mayo’s orthopedic group said I was just as dense as I should be and gave me a thorough over- view of what to watch for and what the possible game plan would be if things changed. My oncologist felt while the chest metastasis had “plumped up” in the last three months, the growth had definitely slowed, which was a big switch from the last visit. Take home was, “you are doing well, go home, do exactly what you are doing”. He did a very comforting job of laying out our next plan of action if things change. Go figure, I’m in harmony with the rogue relative. I feel like I am finally healed from surgery and more settled about the whole deal.
I had an interesting trip and feel like I saw even more old thoughts in a new light. Warning, I feel more “babble” writing coming on!
If I were really a writer, I would be able to better express the gratitude I feel constantly to all the friends, family, clients and patients that I am so, so lucky to be part of. I certainly hope I can give back the support and energy that I feel from being a part such an amazing community.
May you be well, and may we have a snowy winter so we can all enjoy the outdoors!
Susan Wagnon
So, this was the summer of really learning to “let it go”. While my medical folks worked with a few different protocols I tootled around in the garden, hung out with old and new friends and bugged the staff as much as I could at the clinic. It was a waiting time to see what the next step should be. I learned a lot, but more on that later.
And just when you think you have figured out……………... My October visit to Mayo was much more dynamic then the March go around. Of course, a lot of that was do to the fact I learned you really need a travel buddy when you go to these appointments. Going alone is, well, lonely. I found I was much more confident about listening and not missing things. I dragged my travel buddy around St. Mary’s Hospital pointing out where I had procedures done, where the emergency entrance was etc. I didn’t realize I had a few demons to “exercise” or exorcise, depending on which side of the bed you woke up on. I kept expecting a giant nasal/gastric tube to leap out at me. It didn’t and we even found more beautiful nooks and crannies to explore.
Yes, I have possible bone metastasis but no bone damage. Mayo’s orthopedic group said I was just as dense as I should be and gave me a thorough over- view of what to watch for and what the possible game plan would be if things changed. My oncologist felt while the chest metastasis had “plumped up” in the last three months, the growth had definitely slowed, which was a big switch from the last visit. Take home was, “you are doing well, go home, do exactly what you are doing”. He did a very comforting job of laying out our next plan of action if things change. Go figure, I’m in harmony with the rogue relative. I feel like I am finally healed from surgery and more settled about the whole deal.
I had an interesting trip and feel like I saw even more old thoughts in a new light. Warning, I feel more “babble” writing coming on!
If I were really a writer, I would be able to better express the gratitude I feel constantly to all the friends, family, clients and patients that I am so, so lucky to be part of. I certainly hope I can give back the support and energy that I feel from being a part such an amazing community.
May you be well, and may we have a snowy winter so we can all enjoy the outdoors!
Susan Wagnon