I Hate Dialysis Message Board

Dialysis Discussion => Dialysis: General Discussion => Topic started by: WishIKnew on June 04, 2011, 02:31:13 PM

Title: What's new for WishIKnew?
Post by: WishIKnew on June 04, 2011, 02:31:13 PM
I know a lot of you wonderful and supportive IHDers have been following my story.  So here's my update.

On the homefront, we have found a nice small home to rent and have a move date of July 1st.  My husband found it while I was in the hospital but I've seen it and it's all a go.  The price is right, our pets are welcome, there is storage on site for our boat and stuff, and the house will work just fine for our family of three.  Sigh.  The bankruptcy continues to require my mental attention, but is progressing.

I have officially joined the ranks of Hemo Dialysis.  After my third hospitalization and fourth bout of peritonitis we removed my PD cath and inserted a temporary access in my neck.  I held out as long as I could.  But 5 days in the hospital with a cell count still over 11,000 and so much pain and a gram  negative bacteria (klebsella) beat me down.   The day after it was removed I began to feel so much better.  If it was the wrong choice, please don't tell me that.  I have to move forward.  I'd been sick since mid March and in the hospital 18 days over three times.  Really hard on everyone!

I've had three hemo treatments which they tell me I've handled well.  Two were in the hospital and one in the center I will go to.  I will be MWF noon to five.  My family and I will make it work!!!!!

On a light note- -my husband, who is  a saint - jokes that I  timed all of this surgery just right, I won't be able to lift all those heavy boxes.  LOL

We are healing and moving forward.  I APPRECIATE YOU  and this message board more that anyone knows right now!!!!!   :flower;
Title: Re: What's new for WishIKnew?
Post by: WishIKnew on June 04, 2011, 02:39:56 PM
Forgot to add that I had a breast biopsy done while in the hospital (what the heck, right, I'm already there with two other surgery sites, may as well get it done!) just two days after the cath came out.  No results yet, but I'm glad it got done.  I'd had to postpone the scheduled biopsy twice bacause of the peritonitis bouts!  :flower;

And I've learned I'm a hard stick - 20 tries over seven days to get a total of three different IV's working....  I am a walking bruse!  LOL

Title: Re: What's new for WishIKnew?
Post by: willowtreewren on June 04, 2011, 04:54:48 PM
Good to hear this update!  :flower;

The rental house sounds good and things will get sorted out. Your husband sounds like a keeper!  :2thumbsup;

Now I want to hear the hemo is going well and you are feeling better and better.  :clap;

Thinking of you!

Aleta
Title: Re: What's new for WishIKnew?
Post by: rsudock on June 04, 2011, 06:02:06 PM
so glad for the update! I have been wondering what is going on!!  Keep on keeping on Diane!!

xo,
R
Title: Re: What's new for WishIKnew?
Post by: lmunchkin on June 04, 2011, 07:05:09 PM
WIK, girl you have been through it!  Isn't it amazing how we can come back from things!  It just makes us more determined and puts things in perspective!  Yea bankruptcy is hard, but it's just STUFF!  You and your family are what's important and you guys are Troopers!

Thanks for the update, and this too shall pass!

lmunchkin     :flower;

P.S. Hope all goes well with biopsy. You are in my prayers   :pray;
Title: Re: What's new for WishIKnew?
Post by: galvo on June 04, 2011, 11:20:13 PM
I hope things continue to improve.
Title: Re: What's new for WishIKnew?
Post by: Poppylicious on June 05, 2011, 11:09:42 AM
I'm glad that you've managed to find somewhere to live, and that you seem so much more positive.

Hope the biopsy results keep your mood more upbeat.

*huggles*
Title: Re: What's new for WishIKnew?
Post by: WishIKnew on June 28, 2011, 07:04:12 PM
And an update -

We got the keys to the new rental house and tonight picked out the paint colors.  My husband and a friend are painting most of the house, then carpets will be cleaned and we will begin the move this weekend.  I'm excited to see it painted and cleaned!

The Chapter 13 bankrupcy is complete and the process for the Deed in Lieu of Forclosure is being negotiated by our attorney.  I'm thrilled that my responsibilities for both are completed!!!!!

I do have breast cancer (which you may know from another thread).  Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, grade 2, malignant.  We meet with my oncologist Friday at the Ireland Cancer Center here in Elyria.  I'm anxious to understand the process and get the surgery over with!!!!  I must decide between lumpectomy and masectomy....  How does one decide such a thing?????  There are concern about how cancer will interfere with dialysis and vice versa....  Thoughts?

Hemo is becoming normal.  I'm really wiped out afterwards....  My techs are great - nice and upbeat and funny!  The center is clean, well staffed and runs on time. My catheter does not always cooperate...  Still hoping to get back to PD in a month or two - when I've been deemed infection free long enough...

Aazingly for the most part we are in good spirits here.  My husband and son are FANTASTIC!   helping me cope and move forward....

As always I appreciate you, my IHD friends!!!!!  Be well and smile! :flower; :flower; :flower;
Title: Re: What's new for WishIKnew?
Post by: rsudock on June 28, 2011, 07:14:36 PM
Diane you sound in good spirits. I am so thankful that you are doing well and moving forward! 

Lumpectomy they just removed the lump or bad spot in the breast. masectomy they are going to remove the whole breast. If it were me I say remove it all and get breast reconstruction surgery. I wouldn't take the chance to have this cancer attack any other part of my breast tissue. Just my two cents!!

xo,
R
Title: Re: What's new for WishIKnew?
Post by: boswife on June 28, 2011, 07:19:59 PM
So good to hear from you and thankful  that your doing ok.  I want to shout to just get rid of it!!  no decision there for me.  (Of course unless theres something different due to other issues.)  I want you well, and  over with it! 

And rusdock's advice is big bucks worth to me... I think shes right on with it!

 :cuddle; and always more prayers.
Title: Re: What's new for WishIKnew?
Post by: Ang on June 28, 2011, 09:15:08 PM
glad to hear that things are moving forward, now all you have to concentrate on is the health
Title: Re: What's new for WishIKnew?
Post by: MooseMom on June 28, 2011, 09:26:21 PM
I honestly don't know a single thing about the kind of cancer you have, but I would think very long and hard before consenting to a mastectomy simply because it is a big operation, which seems to be the last thing your body needs as it is getting accustomed to hemo.  Ultimately, though, peace of mind is very important, so if having a mastectomy would give you the reassurance you need, then that's something to consider.

Big operations are so commonplace nowadays that I think we sometimes forget how physically traumatic it is.

Let us know what you decide.  All the best to you; you have really been through the wars.  You deserve some good news!
Title: Re: What's new for WishIKnew?
Post by: okarol on June 29, 2011, 12:26:09 AM
 :flower; Thanks for the update - you've got so much to deal with - sounds like you've got a good husband (with a sense of humor! love that!)
Another member on here "vandie" - found out she had breast cancer - I think it was about 2 years after her kidney transplant. She is doing great - you might want to PM vandie - I am sure she will share her experience with you.
 :cuddle;
Title: Re: What's new for WishIKnew?
Post by: willowtreewren on June 29, 2011, 05:45:32 AM
 :grouphug; :grouphug; :grouphug;

I wish I knew what to tell you.  :cuddle;

I'm so glad that things are moving forward and you have the love, support and HUMOR of your family. That goes a long way.

I tend on the over-cautious side with the breast cancer. If it were me, I would go for the mastectomy. But in all truth, this is something to discuss with your doctor.

Keep a positive attitude!  :2thumbsup;

Aleta
Title: Re: What's new for WishIKnew?
Post by: looneytunes on June 29, 2011, 12:24:34 PM
WIK...no advice for you...just a huge cyber-hug!   :grouphug;   Glad the daily living issues are resolving for you.
Title: Re: What's new for WishIKnew?
Post by: lmunchkin on June 29, 2011, 04:41:51 PM
So glad to hear that some symplience of NORMALCY is crossing your path!  Lord knows, you have fought the fight.  Don't give into it and just take it at your pace, Gal!

WIK, if you need any help, just PM me and I will do what I can!  Ok?  I mean that!!!

As always, praying for you and your wonderful family,   :pray; :pray; :pray;

lmunchkin      :flower;
Title: Re: What's new for WishIKnew?
Post by: rsudock on June 30, 2011, 08:50:23 AM
Diane are you going to be in Cleveland for this surgery? If you or family members need a place to shower or stay, my apartment is open for you. I mean that!!! I am more then happy to help an IHD friend!!

I just want you to kick Cancer's ass!! You have such a strong spirit I know you are going to be fine. I just have a sixth sense about these things!

Let me know!

xo,
R
So good to hear from you and thankful  that your doing ok.  I want to shout to just get rid of it!!  no decision there for me.  (Of course unless theres something different due to other issues.)  I want you well, and  over with it! 

And rusdock's advice is big bucks worth to me... I think shes right on with it!

 :cuddle; and always more prayers.

Boswife you are too sweet! Thanks for the love!!! Made my day!!!

xo,
R
Title: Re: What's new for WishIKnew?
Post by: AguynamedKim on June 30, 2011, 09:46:26 AM
Thinking about you, WIK, and hoping for all the best.  You kick that cancer right in the crotch.
Title: Re: What's new for WishIKnew?
Post by: paris on July 01, 2011, 07:41:06 AM
Wonderful post.   :2thumbsup;    I think you and your doctor will decide on a great plan together.   We have a lot of experience with breast cancer in our family -- some chose lumpectomy and one even had both breasts removed (even though she was in the very early stages).  It seems to be a very personal decision.  Even after watching relatives, I don't know what I would chose.      I don't know if you remember, but the doctors suspected that  AlohaBeth (my daughter) had ductal cancer about the same time you were diagnosed.  She is fine.   And my prayers for you are that you are going to get through this and will fine.  You don't need anything more to worry about.    I love the strength you show in every situation.    And it makes me happy to see all the loving support members are showing you.  You deserve all of it.   Keep us posted.    :2thumbsup;       :cuddle;
Title: Re: What's new for WishIKnew?
Post by: WishIKnew on July 19, 2011, 02:53:02 AM
I'm heading out the door in a few minutes for two surgeries - one little one - a new perma-cath because I have an infection -   and a lumpectomy.  While they are trying to scoop all of the cancer from my breast they will be checking to see if the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes and taking a few (or more) of them out as well.  Pretty nervous.  Really anxious about how I will juggle chemo/radiation and hemo.........

On the homefront we have moved into the rental (we still have about a third of our stuff at the old house but a crew of friends are coming this Sat to finish us up!).  The only on really having a hard time adjusting to the new home is our dog....  Poor old girl!
Title: Re: What's new for WishIKnew?
Post by: billybags on July 19, 2011, 04:38:32 AM
WishIKnew, You are going to be one busy lady, I will be thinking about you. You are so strong and I know you will be able to cope with all these things that are being thrown at you, and they will get better, I am sure.
Title: Re: What's new for WishIKnew?
Post by: boswife on July 19, 2011, 06:34:39 AM
sending some love,hugs, and prayers..  Wish it could be something that would take all the bad away but hopfully, you'll find some comfort comming your way soon.  God Bless you in your day  :grouphug;
Title: Re: What's new for WishIKnew?
Post by: jbeany on July 19, 2011, 12:11:55 PM
 :grouphug;
Title: Re: What's new for WishIKnew?
Post by: WishIKnew on July 19, 2011, 03:34:22 PM
Home - breast cancer surgery weent well.  No spread to the lymph nodes!  Yeah!!!  Couldn't get the cath switched out.  Long story about a surgeon with his nose out of joint.  I'll tell all later.  Night for now dear friends!
Title: Re: What's new for WishIKnew?
Post by: billybags on July 20, 2011, 05:35:19 AM
So pleased every thing went well. You take it easy now.
Title: Re: What's new for WishIKnew?
Post by: Poppylicious on July 20, 2011, 08:32:27 AM
So pleased the surgery went well, WIK.  Hopefully you got a good night sleep! 

*huggles*
Title: Re: What's new for WishIKnew?
Post by: WishIKnew on August 04, 2011, 03:19:22 AM
Been away, sorry.
So I had a lupectomy two weeks ago Tuesday.  It went well.
Just three days before it I got a staff infection in my hemo catheter.  Yuck.
After the surgery I found out that I had to have another breast surgery to take out more dangeropus tissue.  In the 4 days prior to the second surgery which was last Tuesday I had three procedures to change out my bad cath for a working noninfected one.  I was awake for these procedures and they were pretty horrible. 
Then Tuesays I had my second breast cancer surgery and my first dialysis treatment right there in the hospital with my newest catheter which finally worked well.  I spent the night in the hospital and came home yesterday.  Other than the typical pain after surgery I'm doing fine.

What a frustrating and painful road this has been!  I will be working toward a fistula as soon as I'm a little healed.....
Title: Re: What's new for WishIKnew?
Post by: jbeany on August 04, 2011, 10:06:49 AM
 :grouphug; :grouphug; :grouphug;
Title: Re: What's new for WishIKnew?
Post by: billybags on August 04, 2011, 10:44:03 AM
Wow, you have really been through the mill.I wish you a speedy recovery. Just take your time and get well soon.
Title: Re: What's new for WishIKnew?
Post by: Bajanne on August 04, 2011, 10:50:46 AM
You have really been faced with challenge after challenge!  But, like me, you are a SURVIVOR, girl!l  They only beat you when you allow them to.  Here is a hug from your IHD family :grouphug;
Until your body gets accustomed to HD, you do feel a bit wiped out, but after a while, it will be better.
Just keep on keeping on :cuddle;
Title: Re: What's new for WishIKnew?
Post by: jagermiester on August 04, 2011, 10:59:33 AM
wishIKnew - sorry to hear you are going through everything.  I was diagnosed with the same type of breast cancer 2 1/2 years ago that you have.  I had the choice of having a lumpectomy with radiation or a mastectomy without anything as long as the lymphnodes were not affected.  I chose the mastectomy and did not have to have chemo.  Although, they did put me on a medication that stops my body from producing hormones due to the tumor I had grew and fed on hormones.  Pills I can handle  :thumbup;

One of the reason I chose the mastectomy was because my surgeon was saying that when he would do the lumpectomy, they would check the margins to see if they were clear and if not, they would have to go back in and if the margins were still not clear they would have to go back in and then if they were not clear ------------  that was when I stopped the doctor and told him he was going in ONCE and ONCE only!!!  LOL!! 

If you have any questions about breast cancer, please feel free to ask.  However, it's the kidney thing that I'm knew at and am now on the learning curve for.

Take care
Joy
Title: Re: What's new for WishIKnew?
Post by: lmunchkin on August 04, 2011, 02:47:45 PM
Here are two very dear people that can help each other out tremendously, WIK & Joy! Wik, has been on this Kidney thing for quite awhile and Joy haveing been through the breast cancer! It is no surprise to me, that these two can really comfort each other!

WIK, you have an amazing attitude (Still) with all the stuff youve been through! What an emmotional roller coaster ride you have been on girl! Honestly, I do not know how you have done it! You have a strong will and that is so admirable!

Thanks for letting us know how things went in surgery!  I know it's not over yet, because of the healing and then having a fistula!  I will tell you that when my husband got his fistula, he has not had any problems in over a year! Hopefully, it will be that way for you dear!  Lord knows you sure need things to settle down abit! You Deserve It!

lmunchkin     :flower; :kickstart;