Ten Years and loving him still~

Ten years ago today, I met my High School friend I dated at Alpine Village in Torrance California for the first time in 26 years. Although he didn't recognize me by name (Veronica) he remembered me as soon as he seen me. We knew we were destine to be together again. After a couple of dates in High School and then not hearing from him, made me brush him off when I did see him. So I had to ask and be reminded why we didn't keep on dating after that last date? He came to the house to ask me to bike ride. One of my brothers blew him off and said I didn't want to see him. Then he tried to call me...they said the same thing. I then realized that was a routine in my house with guys calling for me. But now we are in it for the long haul! I love you Hans. Happy Anniversary of our 2nd real date.

Today will be filled with doctor appointments that have nothing to do with the recent ER check ins.  Normal blood work that is done throughout the year.  What a way to celebrate.

This is how we spent it:

First appointment was filled with a lot of crying and airing our concerns.  We had Cindy called over to my regular doctor's appointment with Dr. Ihlendorf for a blood test.  I had fasted all morning.  She talked us though all I am going through with the SANOMA in my left breast leaking and there not being any more to do than be patient.  We were not happy to just be sent home from the ER by Dr. Bowling without any real instructions on how to handle it.  Or to even know how long it would take to stop producing fluids and leaking.  Sure it is good it is leaking out.  But we are not trained and it is scary to have your boob on a period.  All in all, Dr. I agreed with Cindy's explanation. He talked us though it while Cindy went to get some Ace bandages to bind my breasts.  It had dawned on her that this process had worked with other ladies.  I said "sure, I will try anything to stop this leaking." 

Dr. I was sure comforting.  He is so helpful in his explanations and listening skills.  We are so thankful to have found him.  He is the one that finally found a way to keep my blood pressure under control.  It's been one whole year this month.  He heard all our happenings since we last seen him, which was when I found out I had cancer and he had me come in just for a talk to see if I was doing ok and if I was handling the news all right.  That is the sweetest thing any doctor ever has done for me.  If I were to give an award to a doctor for his knowledge and bedside manners, I would give it to him.  Best Doctor in the whole world award!  So we spent about 3 hours in his office. 

Cindy came back later with the Breast Cancer Counselor, Michelle.  I met her Friday at the gathering of Breast Cancer ladies.  Michelle was very helpful.  She helped us relieve some of the stresses both financially and emotionally.  She said to go wig shopping as soon as possible it will make the transition go better.  She gave us tips on help with the mortgage, things Daryl can do to help himself.  Even trying Vocational Rehab.  She gave us a list of things we need to work on and she had a list for herself to work on.  It took a lot of the stress off and we left the office smiling.

I don't have to see Dr. I for six months now being my blood pressure is under control.  It hasn't been that way since 2002.

We went to get something to eat finally.  We tried the new place for us called Charlie Brown's.  Been wanting to try it for so long now.  It was actually pretty good.  We had enough time to just go home and change my dressing and head back to the hospital again for an appointment with the Oncologist. 

Dr. Bolla is my Oncologist.  He wanted to see me before preparing for the Chemo starts.  We set an appointment for Monday to start.  So Sunday, I am going to take the hair off.  Cindy met us at the appointment.  It is wonderful to have someone like her.  She brought the letter for us from Michelle, signed by Dr. Bolla.  She also presented us with two $25 gift cards for Walmart to help us with some of the gas expense or whatever it can assist us in.  Dr. Bolla ordered a EKCO Cardiogram or the next day so that we can know if my heart is strong enough for the chemo.  As I was checking out, I asked Dr. Bolla if it were true that because of the cancer I need to give up all sweets/sugars.  He said it was absolutely not true.  I gave him a hug and said "I LOVE YOU".  We laughed.  That was the end of our meeting.

We stopped at home to change our shoes and potty and to check the dressing again.  They told us not to limit our activities in spite of the leaking.  So we went to the Main Street event in Speedway.  We had a great time.  We walked and ate and talked to all kinds of wonderful folks.  We met a lady that had been through the cancer and lymph nodes removed.  I feel fortunate to have had only two removed.  She had twenty two removed.  She is seven years out now.  With each shop we visited, we got a card stamped.  There is a prize at the end of the whole thing.  Even if we don't win, we already had a prize with each stop.  One place was BBQ'd ribs, bologna, coleslaw and much more.  We didn't need to go out for dinner.  Hans got a night off from cooking, we got a walk in and we finished the day feeling way better than when we started.  What more could you ask for on your 10 year Anniversary?