New Stress Test Too Much Stress

What ever happened to the good old fashioned stress test? You know, the one where you get on the treadmill and huff and puff until the doctor either kills you or says your heart is OK. That's what I expected yesterday.

Apparently they did not get the memo that I am V-E-R-Y CLAUSTROPHOBIC! They were going to shoot me with some radioactive stuff, have me lay VERY still in a CONFINED SPACE for about 15 minutes, then jog on the treadmill, before ANOTHER 15 minutes in the confined space.

I know technology has come a long way. Heck, I work in technology. But I was not able to tolerate the image machine. Too much like the dreaded MRI for me.

I spoke with Dr. Kossman, admitting my weakness. We are going to try again next week with just the old fashioned jog on the treadmill. If I survive, I should be good for surgery. If not...well, who knows what is next...

Enjoy the Labor Day weekend. Let the football fly!

Stress Friday

At 11:00 today, I have a stress test to see if the old ticker is up to major surgery.

This is a Flex Friday for me, meaning I have a four-day weekend, including the Labor Day holiday.

Still stuck at a little over 300 pounds, so I guess I'm not breaking the 300 barrier before surgery. With my fatigue factors and set to donate more plasma next Wednesday, it is not the time to start a major exercise program. Oh well... Doubt I will have a big appetite after surgery, so maybe then. I am on a grass and bird seed diet already. :-(

Hope you enjoy the holiday!

Thursday

This has been a good day so far.

I have reasonable energy and no symptoms to complain about. Looking forward to the Labor Day weekend, the first college football game, and some R&R in prep for the big day.

Hope you are doing well today, too. Bless you.

Wednesday

Thought I was handling everything OK until yesterday afternoon.

The double whammy of hormone therapy and blood donation hit me about 3:00 PM. Wow, the bottom dropped out of my energy reserve. All I could do was go home and to bed.

Got a good rest last night and went on a scheduled ride-along with Chad in our Operations Department. I did OK, but by the time we got back to the office about 11:00 AM, I was "spent".

I'm going to get a bit of rest and hopefully get back to work before too long.

Bless you.

Tuesday

Good news, the trip to the blood bank went well.

I am squeemish, and don't like the sight of it, especially MINE! But the staff did a great job with "big baby" and it was not bad at all.

I am a bit weak and fatigued today, but now otherwise doing just fine.

Bless you for your caring!

3 weeks and counting

Surgery is three weeks from today. I feel great.

Things kick into high gear starting today. At 5:00 PM, I visit the SD Blood Bank to "make a deposit". My surgeon wants me to set aside some of my own plasma for surgery. One unit today and one next Wednesday.

Friday, I have a "stress test".

Today I am back down to 301 pounds, down from a high of 327 three months ago. While I am happy that I've lost over 25 pounds, I am frustrated that I cannot seem to break the 300 barrier. My goal is 295 by September 15.

I am so grateful to have the opportunity to get my cancer removed by surgery. Many folks do not have that option.

I am also grateful to read almost daily of new breakthroughs in cancer research.

Live this day, and every day, to its fullest!

Friday

Doing fine!

Anita appeared on the Rick Roberts Talk Radio Show again this morning. In case you missed her hour long appearance last Friday (August 15) here is the link to the podcast.

Hope you all have a wonderful day!