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Posted 12/30/2006 7:19 AM (GMT 0)
It's been some months since I've been here.  I had a 3rd surgery on my left hip--actually reconstruction of the hip joint with bone grafts) on Sept. 26th, and have been recovering from that.  After 4 days in the hospital, I was sent directly to a Skilled Nursing Facility for intensive PT, wound care, and monitoring.  I had been on crutches, but Wed. was promoted to a cane.  Hopefully, in 6 weeks I will be able to go without that.  It was a great surgery and I'm feeling so much better than prior to the surgery.

I have hep C and liver cancer, but those diseases were put on "hold" so I could have hip surgery.  I had gotten very depressed, being in pain and  having very limited mobility in a hip/leg brace and on crutches for a year. 

Following chemoembolization and a new treatment, Therasphere (I was part of a study at Mayo for this, being the 2nd person it was used on in Jacksonville), my very large liver tumor, which had metastasized to the inferior vena cava, was killed except for a few cancer cells at the site of the original tumor.  My response was far beyond what anyone expected.  Now that I'm nearly healed from the hip surgery, I have to pursue treatment or surgery for the liver cancer.  I'm awaiting an appt. with my oncologist for Jan., at which time I will have blood drawn and scans ordered.  I will not really be considered "cured" unless I have surgery to remove the entire right lobe of my liver.  Needless to say, I'm not looking forward to another surgery, but I do know that I want to live and will do what I have to, to give myself a chance at another 10-20 years (I'll be 64 in March.)

Even if the cancer is eradicated, I will still have hep C.  Whether or not I want to attempt treatment for that is something I will have to decide down the road.  The only symptom I have from the hep C is extreme fatigue.  Of course, without treatment, I would run the risk of developing liver cancer again, or even cirrhosis.

My prayers now are with those here who are facing the unknown and who watch their loved ones decline.  It's very difficult for everyone involved.  May you have strength to go through each day doing the best you can.  I think that's all any of us can do.

Hugs,

Connie

Post Edited (hep93) : 12/30/2006 12:29:09 AM (GMT-7)

Posted 12/30/2006 4:37 PM (GMT 0)
wow connie,im glad your up and about,even if its with a cane!! what an amazing woman you are! i read some of your post to hubby,,,,,,,,,especially the part about doing what it takes to live,,,,My prayers are with you always,,,,,,,I hope the next surgery goes well and im rooting for you to get 20 plus years:) I wish i could do something for you,,,,,,,but the best i can do is a virtual hug ::HUGE HUG:: ...take care connie
Posted 12/30/2006 11:56 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks so much, Trish. If you are comfortable with it, a little prayer would also be appreciated. I believe a doctor's skill only goes so far and that the ultimate outcome is in the hands of a Higher Power. ;)

Hugs,
Connie
Posted 12/31/2006 12:07 AM (GMT 0)
no problem connie ,will definately keep you in my prayers
Posted 12/31/2006 3:54 AM (GMT 0)
Welcome back Connie,

I'm glad your hip surgery was a success and that you are again on your feet with just the use of a cane. It's wonderful that your tx killed most of the cancer cells in your liver. Go for a long, healthy life. You will remain in my thoughts and prayers.

Gene has had a good week. Both his cancer and liver seem stable. He has also defied the odds. And yes, prayers do work; miracles happen.

Hugs,

Barb

Posted 12/31/2006 4:44 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks, Trish and Barb.

Barb, that's such good news that Gene has had a stable week, especially during the holidays.

My sister, her b.f., and her son are coming tomorrow from out of state. My significant other will also be here. I'm going to attempt something I haven't done in 3 years--make a pot roast. The roast selections were slim when I shopped on Fri., so I'm concerned about having enough meat. However, there will be plenty of veggies.

This has been a tradition with my b.f. and I for years--pot roast on New Year's Eve. I get out the good china and sterling flatware, nice tablecloth and napkins, and we toast at midnight with nonalcoholic champagne or cider. 

The ability to once again do this is very exciting and gratifying to me, and this year I am blessed to have family here, as well.  I know that you guys understand how I feel. When one has been so ill, it's almost surreal to be able to cook and host a dinner again.

Wishing you all good health in 2007.

Hugs,
Connie

Post Edited (hep93) : 12/30/2006 9:49:15 PM (GMT-7)

Posted 12/31/2006 5:47 PM (GMT 0)
Connie,
I got goose bumps when I read your post. What a wonderful New years for you and your family!! Im sure it will be best pot roast youve had because you appreciate being able to entertain again! have a great night Connie!
Posted 1/1/2007 2:40 AM (GMT 0)
How wonderful to be able to continue your New Year's eve tradition Connie, and with additional family as well. May 2007 be a good one for you and your loved ones.
Marg
Posted 1/1/2007 7:55 PM (GMT 0)

A BIG WELCOME Back to you Connie. I am so happy you are doing well, you have really made alot of progress!! Hope your dinner went well last night. I could really feel your excitement at being able to do things again!!! You have truly been blessed!! You have definitely come a long way!!

Teresa

Posted 1/2/2007 12:24 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks so much, everyone! I've made better pot roasts in the past, but none meant as much as this one did to me. My "significant other" really "got it"...why it was so special to me. He went back for seconds, but he's not "picky."

My next challenge is to walk to the mail box and back. I'm in a large apt. complex, and all the boxes are together at the opposite end from my apt. It's equivalent to a 4-block walk, there and back.

I'm going to try to get back as much function and mobility as possible before having liver resection. The liver surgeon had said that he wants me to be able to get up and walk quite a bit after surgery.

God bless you all for caring and sharing,
Connie
Posted 1/2/2007 4:55 AM (GMT 0)
Connie,
One step at a time is my motto. Keep up yoyur positive attitude and prayers and you'll be at that mailbox in no time.

Marg
Posted 1/2/2007 6:25 PM (GMT 0)

Connie, sounds like this is going to be your year!!!You will be making to the mailbox without a doubt!!! I have been hearing about a new HCV treatment that is still in the trial phase, but is suppose to be easier on the body. It is in  phase 2 or 3 of the trial. Looks promising, so just keep your eye out for it. It could be a possibly after the resection. I certainly hope so, because Mark is also looking at HCV treatment after the transplant. It is so good to see you back, with all your positive energy!!!!:)

Teresa

Posted 1/3/2007 7:59 PM (GMT 0)
Wow Connie, great news! I'm glad to hear that you are having a wonderful recovery and continue to make progress. I know it was a tough year as it has been for all us but just hearing that someone is having something good happen makes the rest of us feel like there is hope for our loved ones who are sick and not doing well. I'm glad you were able to host a dinner and feel good about it. Doing things that you enjoy brings the best out in people. I wish you a prosperous New Year and keep up the great news!
Posted 1/4/2007 8:05 AM (GMT 0)
Marg, Teresa, and Shel, my sincere thanks to all of you. Teresa, thanks for giving me a heads up on the new treatment! I know I will need treatment following liver resection, and have not been looking forward to it. I simply have to take one thing at a time and not think much about what comes in the future...just do whatever I need to do one day at a time, with support and prayer. It reminds me of that old riddle, How do you eat an elephant? (One bite at a time.) In my case, I do one thing at a time. Looking back over the past several years, it's amazing what I've gone through...but even more incredible the things I've been given through God's grace, such as appreciation, gratitude, and compassion.

God's blessings upon you all,
Connie
Posted 1/4/2007 6:17 PM (GMT 0)

Connie, Our liives are at the point where it is one thing at a time, and cherish the moments that we have. We are very close to Mark getting the "Call", and as it approaches, with Gods grace I am okay with whatever happens! It is truly amazing what one can endure with the help of God!

Teresa

Posted 1/9/2007 7:18 AM (GMT 0)
We have had a lot of rain lately, so I haven't tried getting to the mailbox yet. I've been taking care of other business. I have appts. on the 24th for blood work and then CT of the chest, abdomen, and liver. On the 26th, I will see my oncologist and go over the results of the tests. He will then decide the next step, but it will probably be a referral back to the GI surgeon.

Teresa, I read your earlier post about encephalopathy, and want you to know that my prayers are with you and your family.

Hugs,
Connie
Posted 1/9/2007 4:24 PM (GMT 0)

Thanks Connie, I am feeling better today! I jsut wish we would get that call!!!

Teresa

Posted 1/9/2007 10:55 PM (GMT 0)

Connie,

so glad to hear your dinner went well! Shell is right that is is great to hear good news!  Know that when you do decided to take that walk,we will all be right there,,,,cheering you on every step of the way,,,,thoughts and prayers always

Posted 1/17/2007 7:13 AM (GMT 0)
I just wanted to let everyone know that I have made that walk to the mailbox and back twice in the past 5 days. I have to rest for a while when I get there, so I go into the laundry room where there is a bench. I sit for 10 min. and sift through the mail, throwing out the junk mail. Then I'm ready for the walk back. I hadn't been able to make the mailbox walk for over a year, so I feel really gratified and fortunate to be able to do so now.

Hugs to all,
Connie
Posted 1/17/2007 2:13 PM (GMT 0)

Now that is a huge accomplishment!!! Yeah!!!!!! You are doing so good!!! You are indeed the Miracle Lady!!!

Hugs,

Teresa

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