VA visit about my speech difficulties

 

Regarding my speech difficulties, I saw neurology today and there were no real answers from the neurologist as far as why this is happening, although she did give me some things to try. She wants me to use the Cephaly device (that I got from the VA many years ago) as a migraine prevention rather than an abortive measure, and start magnesium, riboflavin, and melatonin (not all together).

She thinks I have been under a lot of stress on top of my insomnia and is trying to treat the insomnia and the migraines in order to decrease my stress levels. We’re still waiting for the results of the Keppra level, as well as some lab tests she’s ordering today. She is also putting in a consult for speech therapy in the Springs. I will see neurology next in January. It was the first appointment they could get me.

I admit to feeling a bit defeated and overwhelmed right now.

Still struggling…

 

I’ve got good news and bad-ish news. First the good news: I was mistaken when I said the authorization for the plastic surgeon was approved – but now I know it has been because his office called me to let me know it was approved. Yay! 

Not so great news: Neurology at the VA in Denver called to set me up with a over-booked appointment. The doctor I spoke to said she still doesn’t think it’s a stroke or even my epilepsy but she said I need to be evaluated sooner rather than later. I’m still having difficulty speaking at times. Originally it occurred when I was tired or stressed. Now it happens most every day and at varying times. So, we will drive to Denver next Thursday morning for a 10:30 am appointment. I will keep you updated. Thanks for all your support!!

Less than a month away…

 

I saw my plastic surgeon yesterday for my pre-op appointment. Everything is great, and I have 3.5 weeks until surgery.

Port Removed and VA Approved

 

I’m back!! My port is gone! Don’t even remember it. When I had it put in, I was vaguely aware but not this time. I had a nice turkey sandwich, some vanilla wafers and a banana waiting for me.

AND…

Great news! I called the community care office at the VA earlier yesterday and the authorization for oncology and the one for the plastic surgeon have both been approved. Woohoo!!

Cheering!

 

Recap and a little help...

 

I thought I should post a more comprehensive recap of my recovery, so here goes. I’m continuing to get the chemo injections every 3 weeks. However, we’ve run into some problems with the hormone suppression medication. The first one I was on from April 20 to July 2. It was causing me to have difficulties speaking. It felt like my lips and tongue weren’t connecting with my brain. Went to the ER and they did a full workup, everything was fine.

On July 8 I started my 2nd type of hormone suppression medication and at exactly one week after taking it, the speech difficulties began again. So we stopped that medication and tried a 3rd one. After about a week, I updated my oncologist’s office that I was still having speech difficulties so they had me stop it until I see my oncologist on the 19th.

Here’s how long I was on each medication:

• Anastrozole 4/20 – 7/2
• Exemestane 7/9 – 7/16
• Letrozole 7/25 – 8/7

So I had about a week’s break from each of them before trying a new one. I have no idea what my oncologist will recommend when I see her next.

Meanwhile, I’ve had a sinus infection and walking pneumonia (not at the same time.)

I also found out that when I have my surgery in September the first week will be an exclusion week by my short-term disability. So I’ll only get paid for one week of the two I’ll be off. Please continue to share my fundraiser as I have many more tests and my surgery to get through.

Thank you so much for all your support!! It means the world to me and my family.

Feeling a little better…

 

Sunday:

Just a quick little update. I rested in bed all day yesterday. I had to resist the pull of the craft room, lol. I spiked a temperature of 101. The on call oncologist said to alternate ibuprofen and Tylenol if I had trouble breaking the fever. The fever actually went up after my initial dose of Tylenol, so a little while later, I took ibuprofen and the fever slowly came down. I think I’m getting better because I was able to go downstairs to let the dogs out where yesterday, Kenn did all of that. Today will be another at home day, no church for me 🙁

I’m concerned Kenn might be getting sick too because he’s got this weird little cough like I had last Tuesday. Please remember him in your prayers too.

As always, thank you so much for your good wishes and prayers. They mean a lot to us.

Monday:

We’re good. Kenn has a little cough like I had when this started. Hoping it doesn’t progress anymore. I felt a lot better yesterday and so far today it’s good. Got some energy but this cough is killer. It hurts pretty bad when I cough. Looking forward to it being gone.

Sick, new update…

 

I didn’t think it was possible to feel worse than yesterday, but here I am trying to cough up a lung. Argh. So glad I didn’t get this during chemo or right before or after my surgery. #silverlining

It’s more than just a cough…

 

Just got done at urgent care (again!) and apparently I have the early stages of pneumonia. They put me on 2 antibiotics, a capsule cough suppressant, and a nasal inhaler. Best news, I’m not contagious!! Woohoo. I’m glad I decided to go in and get seen instead of waiting.

Cough, cough….ARGH!

 

So, I’ve come down with a cough, started Tuesday.

Went to urgent care today and all the tests (Covid, Flu A, Flu B, and RSV) were negative. So that’s good.

Meanwhile the cough is getting worse.

Please pray it will clear up fast. Thanks!

Breathing & Sleep

 

I finally got in to see pulmonary. Nice doctor, I really liked her. They are putting in an order for an at home sleep study. So cool. The company they use sends me the equipment (a wrist or finger device or an around the chest device) and I do it at home over 2 nights. I will update when we get the equipment.