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Pulmonology follow-up

I met with my local pulmonologist, Dr. Vilensky, yesterday. He noted that Dr. Villaruz (my oncologist) didn’t think there was an appreciable difference between my two CT scans (pre-cancer treatment vs. post-treatment a couple weeks ago in the ICU). Dr. Vilensky thinks the latter scan shows more fibrotic tissue and cystic changes (translation: bad stuff), which leads him to believe that Tagrisso could be the culprit. However, he recognizes that I had COVID, pulmonary embolisms, and cancer, so it's impossible to disentangle what contributed to these changes. I will have a CT scan in about 7 weeks and that will help determine whether I can stay on Tagrisso. 

It is difficult not knowing how long I will need supplemental oxygen when I am up and about. Dr. Vilensky said it could take 6-8 weeks or more before I wean off. Blood clots take a long time to dissolve. I'm not a patient person, but I don't have a choice. I have to wait. I am trying to focus on my progress. For example, last night I slept without oxygen for the first time since July 27!

So far I have not had any new shortness of breath, so that is a good sign. I've also doubled my lung function on the spirometer (a breathing apparatus). Dr. Vilensky was impressed that I walked to the HUB (student center) and back the other day. It's ~2.5 miles round trip, with some significant climbs. (Icing on the cake: I had to pay $20 to get a new ID because it was stolen with my phone in Paris.) Since I took the elevator at the HUB, I discovered some artwork that I'd never seen before. 

I do need directions, although not the kind they had in mind.

Bibliotherapy: Yesterday's walk was to the PSU library, where I checked out some non-academic books on my to-read list. Two books in my stack are gifts from friends (thank you!); This Is Ear Hustle (purchased) is about my favorite podcast, produced by and with men in San Quentin Prison.

Nail art therapy: Lily has expanded into doing nail art. I've never been into painting my fingernails, but Lily has converted me. It's a relaxing way for us to spend time together. 

The smaller engagement ring was my mom's. I love that I have this reminder of her.

*****

We appreciate our many friends who have provided meals, treats, rides, cards, flowers, gifts, and emotional support!


Comments

  1. NickySeptember 8, 2022 at 10:53 AM

    I'm so happy to hear about these victories! And they are victories that add up. Love the nails!!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousSeptember 8, 2022 at 11:02 AM

    Sounds like you're getting stronger every day! I'm glad you get a break from CT scans for several weeks.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnonymousSeptember 8, 2022 at 11:02 AM

      From Kathy S!

      Delete
    2. Esther PrinsSeptember 8, 2022 at 11:09 AM

      Stamina is definitely improving. Although trying to lift my 20kg kettle bell this morning was depressing. I am starting from zero. :(

      Delete
  3. DoloresSeptember 8, 2022 at 11:02 AM

    Nail art rocks !!!! I am glad you are walking and moving :) head high to sky and keep moving. Jesus is walking with you on the journey. Praise the lord you are doing you !

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Esther PrinsSeptember 8, 2022 at 11:09 AM

      Thank you, Dolores. I go crazy if I'm not active.

      Delete
  4. IreneSeptember 8, 2022 at 12:45 PM

    Thanking God with you for these new milestones, Esther! All seems moving in the right direction. Good to focus on the progress! And like others before me...love those nails!! :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. RuthSeptember 8, 2022 at 1:28 PM

    Good plan to focus on the progress rather than the waiting. That sounds like substantial progress! It's also nice to hear that when you have to take another route (for the sake of your lungs), you experience new wonders that you would have missed if you had marched up the flights of stairs.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Esther PrinsSeptember 9, 2022 at 10:50 AM

      Yes -- you discover new things when you pay attention.

      Delete
  6. AnonymousSeptember 9, 2022 at 6:54 AM

    Esther, You are modeling self care for us as you enjoy Lily's nail art therapy and reading in this unplanned slow down time of your life. Thank you.
    Laura

    ReplyDelete
  7. Ruth K TSeptember 9, 2022 at 3:52 PM

    Love to see a good book haul! I sad-laughed my way Dear Committee Members earlier this year (last year? time is fuzzy). Lily's nail art is lovely -- it's hard to have the patience to stop once they're painted, but so beautiful when you can bring yourself to wait and let it dry.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Esther PrinsSeptember 10, 2022 at 6:22 AM

      I'm looking forward reading Dear Committee Members. It was a gift from colleagues. And yes, I agree Lily's nail art is impressive!

      Delete
  8. AlisaSeptember 10, 2022 at 9:20 AM

    Yay! I’m super into nails. It’s so fun having beautiful nails. I cheat by going to nail shop, but Lily is MUCH better. I’m so glad you are getting these quality moments with your teenager. 😁 This is a special time that the Lord has given you with her. Let’s praise Him for that. Just read Psalm 100 v.5 ‘For the Lord is good. His love endures forever. His faithfulness continues through all generations.’ He is showing you his faithfulness through all these victories Nicky mentioned. We won’t think about the ‘bad stuff’ but how far you have come and healing to come. 🥰 hugs

    ReplyDelete

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