Today, I went to my appointment with the radiation oncologist - it was a routine follow-up visit. I mentioned that I had received the mammogram results (they had the more detailed report that goes to the doctors; the patient only receives the form letter stating if the results were normal or needs further testing) and the radiation oncologist said that the report was good.
I also mentioned that I had been to see the new primary care physician and the gynecologist and that the primary care physician had some concerns about the lab test results and I haven't called the gynecologist's office to find out the results of that test, yet. The nurse was able to pull up the lab test results for both procedures and showed them to the radiation oncologist. He was very concerned about the differences in some of the lab test results when compared to a similar lab test done in the previous month and in March, as well. In fact, he was concerned enough to call the primary care physician, who didn't have the benefit of the prior lab test results (she had made a note of those higher than normal levels and suspected that I might have been dehydrated and told me to drink more fluids). She wasn't in the office when he called, but, he gave me a copy of the earlier lab report to give to her as soon as possible (I mentioned I had an appointment with her in October, but I was told not to wait until then).
When I got home, I found a message on my voicemail from my primary care physician as well as a message on the doctor/patient online site, stating she got the message from the radiation oncologist and expressing her concern about the lab test results. She thinks I might be very dehydrated and has urged me to drink plenty of fluids. She also wants me to do a repeat lab test, early next week. She asked me to contact her office and give the phone number of the diagnostic lab I go to so she could fax the lab test request directly to them. I called the office and gave the information to her receptionist; I also sent a message to the doctor, herself, with the information (address and phone number of the diagnostic lab).
As for the pap test results - according to the lab report, they were unable to make a determination due to insufficient amount of sampling material! The gynecologist's office confirmed that, when I called them, and told me I will have to have the procedure done, again! Oh, no! I am not looking forward to that! I didn't want to make an appointment, right away, and said I'll call back! Let me just get this dehydration issue taken care of, first!
On my way home from the doctor's office, I put gas to the car. I considered putting gas at the Arco station near the doctor's office at $3.49/gal., but, decided to try the Arco station near my house, instead. I was glad I decided to do that, because I paid $3.29/gal. at the station closer to home.
It was 97F, outside, when I got home. But, the house was only in the 80s and that's very comfortable for me. I did put the fan on.
I had eaten a banana for breakfast. Lunch was tuna salad on crackers with grapes to follow. Dinner will be rice with the last of the green beans, lentils, and either salmon or sausage (or both).
I have been making a conscious effort to drink more water since I came home. I do not want to have a repeat of the time when I fainted in the bathroom from being dehydrated. I still have a dent in my forehead from that night, where my head hit the edge of the shower door sliding rails! I am glad the doctors think it is dehydration and not something worse. I am also glad that it was detected before anything bad happened!
I took it easy after I came home. I am a little stressed by the day's events. So, I've given myself permission to not do any housework until tomorrow! That's my excuse and I am sticking to it! It means that tomorrow will be a busy day, but, hopefully, I'll be able to get everything done.
Today, I am grateful for:
- The blessing of caring medical personnel
- The ability access lab reports online
- My dehydration was detected when it was
- A safe drive to the doctor's office and back
- Being able to take it easy
Thursday's To Do List:
- Doctor's appointment (radiation oncologist) - DONE
- Put gas to the car - DONE
- Buy or make a birthday card
- Vacuum
- Clean the kitchen (can be done on Friday)
Friday's To Do List:
- Vacuum
- Clean the kitchen
- Remake daughter's bed
- Do laundry
- Pick up daughter from the airport
How was your Thursday? Are you drinking enough fluids? What are your plans for Friday?
I drink a lot of fluids, almost a gallon of water a day. We have been pushing Mom very hard to drink. She was getting very dehydrated and that might have been the root of a lot of her confusion. I bought her gatorade and drops to add to her water to flavor it. She is drinking more and today she was pretty clearheaded.
ReplyDeleteI really need to drink more fluids. I obviously haven't been drinking enough! I'm glad your Mom is getting more fluids in her. :)
DeleteI try to drink a lot, especially cos I am breastfeeding, but simetimes i forget ☺
ReplyDeleteOh, that's a very good reason to make sure you drink plenty of water, Natalia! :)
DeleteDrink drink drink! I'm bad too, when it comes to remembering to drink water.
ReplyDeleteYes, yes, yes! :D I drank my 8 cups, yesterday, and was running to the bathroom every half hour! LOL.
DeleteOh that’s a huge annoyance to have to go through that test again because of them.
ReplyDeleteGas is expensive there! Here, I’ve been getting it for $2.29.
It really is a very big annoyance, Akasha. I am not at all happy about it.
DeleteYes, our gas is expensive because we have quite a few state taxes added on to the price of gas, due to our air quality problems.
Hi Jean, I managed to drink 8 cups of water, yesterday. I don't mind drinking plain water; I just need to make a conscious effort to drink it throughout the day!
ReplyDeleteOh dear, it all sounds very complex and confusing. I do hope all will be sorted out soon. I have an 800ml glass bottle which I fill with water twice a day and try to drink during the day when out and about or at work, then a 300ml glass which I fill twice in the evening, so 2200 ml altogether. I don't always manage, but usually it's ok. I find by using these measured quantities I am more likely to drink it than if I do it ad hoc.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you are drinking lots of water, Eloise. Well done! I am trying to drink 8 cups (1 cup = 8 US fluid ounces), which comes out to 1892.7 ml, according to the handy-dandy online conversion site! I have a 16 fl. oz. glass that I use. This does not include my usual 2 cups of tea. Hopefully, it will make a difference!
DeleteSorry to hear you have to repeat the test. I think I'd be annoyed too.
ReplyDeleteHope you can get on top of the dehydration issue. It's easy to get into the habit of not drinking enough and not so easy to change that habit.
The gynecologist's office called me again, today, to say that the ultra sound has been authorized; we agreed that I will wait until the ultra sound has been done to redo the test.
DeleteThanks; I'm making a concerted effort to drink more water. I have been taken off the diuretic I was taking for the swelling at the surgery site and I am hoping that that will help, too.
I had a thought, Bless. Could the hot weather be adding to your dehydration. Since you're in high temperatures both inside and outside, maybe you're sweating away an extra amount of water your drinking.
ReplyDeleteIt could be that, Live and Learn, although, I really haven't been drinking as much water as I should, lately. I had been keeping a glass of water in the fridge, because it has been so hot, and sipping from it. But, what I've noticed is, I don't drink as much water when it is iced as I do when it is at room temperature! So, now, I've gone back to drinking room temperature water. I've drunk 8 cups, so far, today, and I will probably drink another cup with my medications before I go to sleep.
DeleteI'm sorry your test results are causing concern but it seems that the doctors are on top of it, making contact with each other. It is so important that all have the complete picture. I hope it is nothing more troubling than a need for more fluids. Don't forget that it is not just water, you can include soups (cold ones in summer) and any beverage that doesn't just have a diuretic effect like can be counted to help. I know how hard it is to remember, I sometimes get to lunch time and think, "I should have had a glass of water or something else during the morning".
ReplyDeleteI went on a "duck hunt" this afternoon. Not to shoot ducks, but to see if I could find the ducklings that granddaughter saw when she was here, as her Dad said she would love to see a photo of them. Sure enough I found two groups down on the river, and counted 19 altogether! She will find the photos on her e-mail.
Thank you, Bushlady. That's what I am hoping, too; that it is just dehydration and not anything else. I'll go for another blood test on Tuesday, probably.
DeleteI'm glad you explained what kind of a duck hunt you went on! :D I'm sure your DGD will be happy to see the photos of the ducks. :)
here's to your results having been the outcome of dehydration, Bless. Lots of love xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
ReplyDeleteThank you, Ratnamurti. I hope so, too!
DeleteIt sounds like you are drinking plenty of water now. Years ago, my dad had to be hospitalized for dehydration. He was rambling, and kept saying, " I have three clubs, two hearts, and four spades,"...He was totally in another realm. Once they upped his fluids, he recovered.
ReplyDeleteYes, I am drinking at least 8 cups of water! I'm glad I was alerted to the fact before something bad happened!
DeleteWill keep you in prayer that the increased fluids bring your test results back to normal.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Carolyn. Prayers are much appreciated. :)
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