This is one of those times

BOX SCORE




Element

Current

Std. Range

Trend

Hemoglobin

11.6

13-17

^

Platelets

89

140-375

v

ANC

1790

1800-8300

^

Good care is hard to come by. But my medical team is on the ball. I was referred to orthopedics for a consultation about my frozen shoulder. When the ortho department called, they gave me an appointment for April 17th. They also put me on a cancellation list, in case something came up sooner. Well, thank the Lord, I got an email on Monday offering me an appointment for yesterday. 

I saw a physician's assistant named Mike. He confirmed the diagnosis of frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) and suggested a cortisone injection to help relieve the inflammation. This won't be a cure, but it should reduce the pain and allow me to more diligently exercise my shoulders. So, I now have an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon on April 24th. Do I wish it were sooner? Yes, but this doctor is the only one at Kaiser who uses ultrasound guidance for the injection. Others apparently go strictly be feel. As a dentist, I am all about images...you know, dental xrays. So, I am grateful to have an appointment with a doctor who demands that kind of precision. 

In addition to this welcome development, at my request, my oncologist, Dr. Brow, has renewed my authorization for physical therapy with Dr. Camas, the DPT with whom I have been working. She is moving from Therapeutic Associates to Salem Hospital. I am happy to say that this move, for her, is all about being able to spend more time with her family. She has two young children who need their mama! I have been pleased with her treatment, so this is a win-win. 

You will note in the Box Score for today (actually the numbers are from Monday) that my ANC  remains at an elevated level. That is such welcome news, because it means we can continue to connect with friends and family. A lovely young family who has adopted us as "another set of grandparents" for their 8 year old daughter came to the house for dinner on Saturday. Tara was here for a visit on Sunday. We discovered a new restaurant, thanks to one of our oncology nurses. It is the Route 99 Cafe in Brooks, OR. They have great food and really clever, fun decor. 

So, life is becoming more "normal" for us. Church on Sundays. Going out to eat. Sharing time with dear friends and family. These little things mean more to us than all the world's riches. We thank the Lord daily for them. 

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:...a time to weep, and a time to laugh...a time to mourn, and a time to dance.... (Ecclesiastes 3:1, 4)

We have had times of weeping and mourning as God has walked with us through 21 months of learning to live with leukemia, but we have also had times to laugh and dance. This is one of those times. Thank you, Lord!

 

 

 

 

Comments

  1. AnonymousMarch 31, 2023 at 9:43 PM

    Hallelujah concerning your blood counts!! I'm so thrilled you are getting out with friends and family. Keep working on those frozen shoulder exercises and I am praying you are finding a comfortable position to sleep in at night. Take care! Donalynn

    ReplyDelete

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