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SoCalGal
11-12-2008, 10:40 PM
It's been quite a couple of weeks. The good news is my PET scan shows stable results. I'll take another 3 months of stable and see what 2009 will bring.

Last Saturday I had to put my 15 year old dog down. It has been surprisingly hard. I really miss her and every time I come home I am kind of a mini wreck. My kids were so sad and it was so hard for them to hear all of this long distance over the phone. So - I am looking for a rescue dog...went and looked at a beautiful huge lanky german shepard at my vet's office. Will probably bring him home to see if we're a "match". Hmmm...It's like dating but with actual dogs. lol.

Then on Monday (a week ago) I had a very scary experience right after my PET/CT. I was already on my way home and I became so sick that my girl-husband had to pull over (and hide) while I puked on my neighbor's lawn. Got home and continued to puke. I called my onc and they said come right in. Then I had a full blown migraine with the blinking light show blind spots lack of communication skills and blinding pain. (I know that some throw up from migraines but I never do). I was dehydrated and freaked out. I spent the next 4 hours curled up like a baby with a blanket over my head in a chair in the chemo room getting hydrated and ativan'd and finally something with a "t" (??) for pain. They said I had an allergic reaction to the iodine - CT contrast. I was nauseas and weak for 3 days and then on Thursday was back to myself - just in time to take Tony to "baby's first colonoscopy". Baby being the important word.


It's really good that TIP has been here. While we haven't had the fun that I had planned - it's been good to have a little furry reminder that I am not alone in my trials and tribulations.
xo~Flori

StephN
11-13-2008, 12:13 AM
Dear Flori in the Land of LaLa - from the Land of Rain!

Very happy to hear that you have good results - finally stable and probably better than that as the tumors may be more scar showing up.

Don't recall anyone else posting here with such a NASTY reaction to the contrast. But we know it DOES happen if even rarely. Glad you had the Furry Ones to provide a bit of comfort during that episode.

When I had my last scan contrast they were VERY particular about having me stick around, and I told them I had to EAT NOW, and would be in the cafe on the second floor. The nurse wanted to give me juice and crackers, like I was a little kid or something. But I said I would give them 5 minutes and then was going to the cafe! They did tell me that I would definitely know if I was getting a reaction - I guess!

P.S. Pets are part of our family, and we take their loss pretty hard. I still miss my last cat that died over 2 years ago! You will find the right match for a new dog. I have not yet had the heart to try to replace my last 2 cats - that is HOW SPECIAL they were/are.

Chelee
11-13-2008, 01:27 AM
Flori, First of all I am so very sorry to hear about the loss of your dog. My heart goes out to you...its so hard when we have to say goodbye to our pets. I don't care how long we have them, its never long enough. I hope the German Shepard turns out to be a good match for you.

In the last 3 yrs I've been on these boards I've never heard of anyone having a reaction like yours to the contrast. My goodness...that is just awful. My mother use to have attacks of blinking/flashing lights and she would lose her sight. It would scare her to death. They told her she was having a migraine without the headache. (Strange.) So I have a clue how frightening that must of been for you. You have been through quite a bit. I'm glad things have settled down and your feeling better now.

And congratulations on the PET scan. At least you got some good news in all of this. :) Hang in there. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.

chelee

Margerie
11-13-2008, 08:32 AM
I think you have had enough excitement this week! Yuck- I hope you NEVER have a reaction like that again.

I am so happy to hear you are giving a rescue dog a chance. We had to put down our two 14 year old girls over this past year.

We rescued a German Shepherd a year ago and he is the biggest sweetheart and just a great dog for our family. And, as you can see, he is a little naughty. I was looking all over for him and he had crawled through my car window somehow......

Best of luck and slobbers
to you Flori and great news on your scan!


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v516/Margerie/majorincar-1.jpg

BonnieR
11-13-2008, 09:45 AM
Flori, loved your line "it's like dating but with actual dogs"! I'm sorry for the lose of your dog but it is also wonderful that you are opening up your heart and home to a new companion. We can all use a therapy dog. Keep us posted.

Joan M
11-13-2008, 10:47 AM
Flori,

Don't you know that you have to kiss a lot of frogs before you find a prince. And my ex turned out to be a frog dressed up like a prince.

Your scan is great news, but sorry to hear about the reaction. Hopefully that won't happen again.

The idea of rescuing a dog sounds good after losing your pet of 15 years (a long time. One of my cats lived to be 20). And if he or she misbehaves like Margerie's dog (who looks like he's found a nice nest) you can always ask Ceaser Milan to drop by.

Joan

Ceesun
11-13-2008, 12:16 PM
great news on the scans, Flori!!! Ceesun

Bill
11-13-2008, 02:27 PM
Congratulations on the scans,,,,Flori! Keep up the good work. I'm sorry to hear about your dog. I know how tough that can be. BTW, I love your picture! and your new avatar!

MJo
11-13-2008, 02:29 PM
My condolences on the loss of your beloved pet. I've been there. Let yourself grieve.

Sorry about the reaction to the dye, but puking on the lawn, in the car, out the car window, etc. is something many of us chemo veterans can relate to.

SoCalGal
11-13-2008, 07:52 PM
Margerie-that photo gave me a good laugh. Funny. Are you in So Cal - near me? Maybe your dog can drive me around.

flynny
11-13-2008, 08:40 PM
Great news on your scan. I am very sorry to hear about your dog. They are such a big part of the family and when they are no longer with us we feel a little empty inside. What a wonderful thing you are doing by adopting a new dog. Good luck

Margerie
11-14-2008, 08:42 AM
LOL Flori :) We are north of Santa Barbara~ so a few hours from you.

Major is still a baby, but when he is old enough to drive, he will give you a bark. I am sure he would love to drive around a pretty lady like you.