Bunn’s Prairie

Well, at last, not only is my cervix no longer simmering on the back burner, that bad boy’s outta here. Anyone want to come to a cervical BBQ? It could just be a theme you know, I won’t even call it a BYOC party (especially considering Jimmy T. has checked and is pretty sure he doesn’t have a cervix to bring!)

Well… the surgery date is August 22nd — just three weeks away. I am a bit surprised at my mix of emotions that seem to be tangled around the concept of having a hysterectomy. Probably all part of what’s “bred” into us — I’ve had all those usual “nesting” urges over the past few years. It’s not as though I’ve ever intended on passing along my medical genetics…i don’t know…there’s something about the FINALITY of it all that is a bit tough to swallow. I’ve been openly excited and even joking about it, but not really admitting that I’m already feeling a loss, as though a part of what defines me as a woman will be taken away.

The logistics of the hysterectomy itself will be more complicated than the procedure usually involves, as my transplanted pancreas is snuggled up next to my uterus. They are taking all the precautions necessary to ensure that my pancreas will be safe. I’ve already had some pre-op testing to look over the situation. I see a few of my Docs again in the next two weeks, and hope to speak to one of my surgeons, as I have more questions specifically for them. As of what I know right now, they will go back in through my original pancreas transplant incision, secure the pancreas, the OB/GYN will remove the uterus/cervix/fallopian tubes/and whatever other who-ha has to go, and then it will be back in my Transplant surgeon’s hands to re-adjust everything, check for herniated muscles and sew me back up again. She has offered to snag my belly button back in again! Yea! We all know how vain my belly button is. She hates being an outty, and especially and “inny-outty”.

Pain Medicine will once again be probably the biggest issue post-surg. The last (much less intensive) surgery I went through without even any anesthesia. Eventually it may have led to the scary onset of the complex migraines that are so wicked. (Body trauma, inability to sleep, and pain). On the other hand, they have yet to discover the golden pain med I can safely take that won’t cause me to stop breathing.

Andy will be by my side all day on the 22nd, and has let his boss know that if there’s complications with the post-surg. situation, he may need some time the next two days, as well. It is so comforting to me to know that he will be there with me.

I will be back on my usual transplant floor at Fairview University Medical Center — 6B. They will keep me on the transplant floor as long as necessary. My optimistic hope is about a week, but I’m just not going to make any plans for awhile after that. (*wry smile*) E-cards make me grin, and phone calls and visitors are awfully welcome after a couple of days, as well. When I’m “indoors”, Andy tries to leave blog post updates as to how my recovery is going. Otherwise, if you’re really up for some fun, I’m thinking this time around that I’d enjoy clowns and tap dancers outside my room. (Broadway musical numbers would be nice, too!) Any volunteers? They haven’t given me a gold sign with my name on it yet, but maybe they won’t mind red flashing lights?? Thank you, Eartha Bunny for your offers of help and good cheer. I’ll definitely be in need of both. Especially having someone close by who has dealt with this before.

Just thought I’d give the old cervical update! Thank the Lord that they finally have this surgery scheduled. I have been so worried that by waiting and waiting, I would have to deal with full blown cervical cancer any month, now. I’m pretty sure, no matter HOW super I am, that would definitely ravage this little Twerp’s body more than it would know how to fight.

Please keep Andy and I in your prayers, especially when the surgery date draws near. He is definitely going to have his hands full. Bless all of you who have taken the time to check in with us, occasionally. It does wonders to brighten our lives. I am so thankful for everyone that has continued to fight the fight with me. Sorry it’s taken so many years…we should claim victory pretty soon, don’t you think??

Now I must stick my little not-so-green-thumbs in my garden outside and get some water on my blooming friends. Flowers make me feel so cheerful!

(*giggle*)

Ok, since a member of my choir motorcycle gang has egged me on (oh yes, YOU know who you are!!), I can’t resist leaving this header for my blog post. We caught up for a bit on the phone tonight and were laughing about my needing naps all the time…SOMEHOW, we got on a roll and wound up with that “I’m not even good for a one night stand…and that I’m really just a one trick pony.” I said that poor Andy doesn’t even get through dinner and a movie without my having to take a nap in the middle!! Anyway, I was laughing so hard I had tears coming down my face.

Laughter really IS good medicine! So, there you have it boys…

P.S. As I haven’t been “on the Prairie” very often, as of late, and my comments box is empty, I’m trying to spice up my image. ??? LOL Don’t they always say that the ratings are all about sex appeal? Hmmm…I’m not sure its a very good fit with my other personas — SuperTwerp?? Laura Ingalls?? Little Red Riding Hood? Winnie-the-Pooh?? Alas, I’d probably better stick with being me and hope my comments box fills up on it’s own!!

I’m not sure we’ve accounted for all five major food groups, but it sure feels as though I’m passing from day to day with a full plate. Maybe I’ll start with “right now” and rewind myself! That way I can throw in all sorts of subliminal messages, and you won’t even have to play my record backwards! Hee!

Tonight, Andy and I drove down to Faribault for my Great Aunt Louise’s 95th birthday party. Wow…95 years…it’s hard to imagine all that one can “take in” and experience over such a long time. To think how much history has changed in the world over the past 95 years. It has also led me to try to fathom what time, years, and age mean in a person’s life. I made such a fuss celebrating my 30th birthday. Primarily as a mark of triumph — that I’d fought through my pancreas transplant, and was about to receive another gift of life — and chance to LIVE life with my upcoming kidney transplant. Instead of living life through rose colored glasses, I hope I am living mine with crystal lenses. I want to see the greenest greens, the bluest water, the sunniest skies, and bright red toenails in the summer. I guess I want to experience all I can in the world, no matter how many years I am here. I want to see all the colors and sights, hear all the sounds — even if my vision and hearing don’t last. The birthday card I gave to Aunt Louise tonight, had an old photo of a couple of girls riding the Ferris Wheel. At the top was a quote by Helen Keller: “Life is either a wild adventure, or it is nothing at all.” I can honestly say that of anyone that I’ve met in my life, Aunt Louise can say she has lived her life as a “wild adventure”. I hope someday, someone will say the same about me.

Yesterday, we had Dave and Heidi over for brunch. Nothing like waffles and such on an early Sunday afternoon. Dave, of course, is “just like family”, but this is the first chance we’d had to meet his girlfriend. We had a great time, and hope to “meet and eat” with them both again soon!

I also just found out that my great aunt Gloria passed away this weekend. I never had the chance to spend a lot of time with her, but I always remember her as a sunshiny person - warm and loving. I have only heard sketchy details so far, and do not even know when the memorial service will be. I had heard she was in the hospital and was having serious problems with fluid and swelling in her legs, but that was just in the past few weeks. I am hoping to connect with her family soon. I hope her husband, sons and all of our family are finding some comfort in their faith and love.

Andy’s parent’s have been on vacation for the past few weeks — out to the west coast and into Canada. It sounds like the scenery was beautiful and all was well until they had a car accident a few days ago. Gosh Golly! They’re okay, but the car’s a wreck. I haven’t talked to them, but from what I understand, they were hoping to get it stateside because the insurance paperwork would have been a couple of week mess to wade through. I’ll have to get more of the news on that, I’m just thankful they are well. I think they will be able to head towards home again in the next day or so.

Saturday, we went to the Twin’s game in the evening and watched the fireworks off of our bridge with my folks. The Twins won and the fireworks were GORGEOUS! My parents had camped out and saved some really good seats to watch from. I’d say the Aquatennial show has got to be one of the best in the country!! We had Christa here for parts of Thurs. - Sat. which gave us the chance to get in a bit of quality sister time. Maybe I’m just selfish, but I sure do enjoy her company. Her internship and evening job at Orchestra Hall are keeping her “on the clock” some days from 8am to 1am. UGGHH!!! Hopefully giving her a place to crash, nearby, and some “vittles” helped keep the schedule a little more bearable. Andy was great about picking her up after her shift was done. I don’t care WHERE you’re walking in the city, I just don’t feel comfortable with the idea of walking or busing home at 1am. We did get the chance to get her suit in for alterations and have a quality sister lunch on Saturday! Yea!! I’m hoping the next time she comes, we’ll be able to get out back to the pool — ahhh.

Hmmm….the medical front — not sure what to say. My plane is still taxiing, and I can’t quite get anything off the ground. I believe the nasty UTI has left the premises, but my body hasn’t really bounced back in some other ways. I’m still sleeping a crazy number of hours each day. I sleep a good chunk at night, PLUS a late morning nap when I haven’t had at least eight hours, and sometimes a late afternoon or late evening round of sleepies if needed later. What the heck? It sure interferes with that whole “life” thing people keep talking about. My hemoglobin is still low, even with iron replacement and epogen shots, and now my body’s INR and Factor 2 (blood clotting tests) are all out of whack, and my blood is getting really thin on it’s own, even though I keep reducing the amount of coumadin I’m taking. Seems that I’m going through some sort of metabolic change again. ???? My head and skin are both itching like crazy, so I’m betting a dead layer of cells are trying to “slough” their way off. Maybe I should ask my cats if I can borrow their scratching post. There’s some places I just can’t reach!!

I am still waiting for a final date for my hysterectomy. I don’t think I am going to hang up the phone tomorrow until I have one on the calendar. I cannot get the rest of summer and beginning of fall scheduled until we know. Some things require planning in advance — and we have a wedding to RSVP for within the next week. I realize they are all entitled to their exotic vacations, but they have “schedulers that handle this sort of thing” for them. At this point I just want them to GIVE ME A DATE. I am not even requesting anything specific. Whenever. Fine. I’ll work around it. I’m probably just feeling over-anxious, I’m sure. It’s just easier to get mentally and emotionally prepared for something if you know when it’s going to happen.

Otherwise, I just feel as though I’ve been fighting for time. I seem to be a one activity a day wonder — which doesn’t sound very super at all. Like always, I just want to leap tall buildings with a single bound. Some days I just want to do what the big superheros do!

Well… I must, must, MUST put up a blog post. I may have been absent and not feeling oh-so-terrific, but I don’t want anyone to be too worried. Mostly I’m just tired. For goodness sake, if I’m really going to croak, you can bet your boots I’ll make a bigger, noisier fuss than this! I promise, my impending death will be much more like a four hour opera where I get at least THREE arias of my own in which to actually kick the bucket!!

The latest medical who-ha has been fighting off this UTI — STILL fighting off this UTI is more appropriate. What a bugger of a bug. This one is beginning to feel like a four hour opera itself. I have finished the two week run of IV vancomycin. From a med/tummy perspective, it has been so much easier. This has been one drug that doesn’t send me toppling into gastric hell. I don’t know that it’s always interchangeable with Zyvox, but next time it comes up, I’m sure going to ask! The nasty scary thing that I just found out on Friday is how strong this anti-B really is. All of a sudden, my amylase and lipase levels came out alarmingly high. These are the two levels they check to monitor rejection of my pancreas. My kidney’s creatinine level was a tad high, but this they are attributing to something else (and should not be a threat to the organ). To put this in perspective, my amylase level is normally 45-50. In a week’s time it doubled to 90. My lipase level tends to sit at around 70-75. Last week’s lab level came in at 227. My transplant coordinator and one of the surgeons said that I would probably have to be biopsied this week, depending on Monday’s bloodwork.

Well (not to keep you on the edge of your seat), Monday’s labs arrived in the evening with a Hallelujah and a Happy dance around the living room. I didn’t realize I was holding my breath, squinting at the piece of paper (the print was too tiny for me to read) until Andy came over and asked if he could help me read it. Amylase is back down to 47 and lipase is 74. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!

I stopped the Vanco over the weekend, as we knew Mr. Pancreas wasn’t happy…and couldn’t get a hold of anyone at the Transplant Center to ask. Technically my 14 days were done on Friday, anyway. I’m going in to get my urinalysis and bloodwork redone tomorrow. I’m really hoping that the infection has cleared. I don’t want to put anymore stress on my happy new organs.

I have lots of other little stories to pass along, but that’s the biggie on the medical front. I’m going to keep to my promised time limit, and hit the sheets so I actually get my rear to the Doc’s tomorrow.

Tomorrow night, we are meeting Kirsten and Chris for dinner and then going to the Twin’s game. After the All-Star break, I’m going through withdrawl. Andy, we go baseball?

I wanted to leave an update tonight, but that nasty fireball I call “Migraine” is circling my head right now. I’m going craw into bed, and have Andy give me an Imatrex shot. Will give an honest try at a blog, tomorrow. Sorry about my tardiness.