Sunday, June 20, 2010

Lifelong and Long Life

It's easy to forget that I'm a "lifer" patient at the City of Hope. But on Tuesday, I'll have several reminders of my forever Hope status.

I'll start off the day with a shot of "Vitamin P," the notorious drug that Michael Jackson mainlined on a daily basis. Unlike the King of Pop, my propofol will be administered by a licensed anesthesioligist in a clinical setting. I'll fall to sleep right before my doctor jabs my rear with a thick needle to extract bone marrow for my annual bone marrow biopsy. And then I'll wake up 15 minutes later, feeling as thought I slept for ten straight hours. I can't wait!

Then I'll spend the next two hours wandering the campus for a mammogram and a bone density scan. (My choice of the word "wandering" is because of my nonexistant sense of direction.) I know it's probably a "business" decision for CoH to encourage patients to come to them for these services, but it's also convenient for me and a comfort to have all of my medical records in one place.

And, finally, I'll meet with Dr. Forman to discuss the results of the PT scan I had last week. The scan will confirm if I'm still in remission or if I've relapsed. Strangely enough, I'm not feeling the usual funny little "is she or isn't she" butterflies. I think it's because my non-patient life has been creating so many flutters that I can no longer tell the difference. I'll also find out if my pesky eosinophils (aka EOS) are behaving themselves.

It will be a long day, but, truth be told, I don't mind being a "lifelong patient," as long as that means that I'll have a nice, long life.


By popular demand: The little man in my life. I love to make him laugh.

13 comments:

Emma said...

Hope it all goes ok for you x

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lisa adams said...

Thinking of you today, jealous of the propofol! Will await news of your results, and wishing you all the best today and every day.

Petrea Burchard said...

He looks better than the best drug! What a cutie!

Ann said...

It's my most fervent hope that you have a long life filled with special moments of joy like the one you shared with Joseph in the picture.

Unknown said...

What a long day! Hope all goes well.

Nancy said...

Susan!!! I also have an appointment at COH on Tuesday (tomorrow). I have labs, appointment with Dr. N then I have to find my way to an ultrasound appointment. Maybe we can figure out a way to have lunch together. Call me. YOu have my cell. Hope we can cross paths tomorrow!!! BTW, do you need a ride? I can drive you... I don't think you are suppose to drive after Propofol, right? LEt me know... My appointments begin at 10 am... n

Anonymous said...

Love the last line, and the Artful Dodger.

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Susan C said...

Thanks, Emma.

Lisa, so nice to hear from you!

Petrea, yes, they baby Joseph is the best medicine.

Thank you, Ann. Were your ears burning today as Nancy and I talked about you?

Idelle, all went VERY well!

Nancy, it was so much fun to get to hang out with you today.

AH, "Artful Dodger" - like that!

Nelle said...

Susan,
I had read this entry...then had a major pc freeze and never came back to comment. Baby J is awesome. I am so happy that they are giving sedation to people before the marrow aspirations now. I was told they couldn't when I needed them. My son was given sedation twice and had several dozen without. Now that I know the results I am well, sharing in your joy. Sending congratulatory hugs your way, Nelle

Anonymous said...

男人有了外遇,但是他不想離婚
外遇情人面前,他可以享受著年輕戀愛般的美好
在回歸家庭時刻,他可以享受著老婆對他無微不至的照顧
在同事朋友面前,他可以享受著眾人對他的忌妒與羨慕
男人有了外遇,但是他不想離婚,他只想自私的擁有一切

Anonymous said...

外遇---偷來的時間、偷來的伴侶、偷來的愛情
或許新鮮刺激,或許瘋狂美好,但這一切,終究是偷來的…
外遇傷害了一個幸福的家庭
或許你會說:問題其實早已存在,外遇並不是傷害的唯一因素
但是內心深處其實你知道,這只是外遇的藉口!
建築在傷害別人之下所得到的愛情,終究難以幸福…