Sunday, March 9, 2014

WE HAVE BEEN OUT OF COMMISSION -- OUT OF TOUCH -- OUT ON "SICK LEAVE"!!

FIRST - KEN'S MAMMOGRAM AND ULTRASOUND TURNED OUT NORMAL!!

Wed, Dec 18 - What!!??  Did I say KEN'S Mammogram!!??  That's right!!  Ken had to have a Mammogram and Ultrasound!!

It all started a while back, three months back, with our visit to a new Dermatologist in Clermont, FL on Monday, December 9th.  After Dr. Boucher had finished examining Ken, and freezing a couple of pre-cancer spots, Ken happened to mention that his left nipple was very sore; sensitive and tender.  After some poking around, Dr. Boucher told Ken that he had a lump in his left breast!!  OMG!!  The doctor wrote an order for Ken to have a Mammogram at Clermont Radiology.  We have heard of men having Mammograms, of course, but Ken!!???

When we went to Radiology to set up an appointment for the test, we discovered that for men having a Mammogram, especially the first one, Radiology required a bi-lateral exam (both breasts) as well as an Ultrasound.  They called Dr. Boucher and got a corrected order.  It was another week before Radiology could schedule a time for the Mammogram when the Ultrasound equipment was also available.

On Wednesday, December 18, Ken had the ultimate experience of having a Mammogram!!  Now he knows what we women go through every year!!

It was another week before we got the results.  That was a really scary time!!  NORMAL!!   A big sigh of relief!!

Tue, Jan 14 - We had a follow-up appointment with the Dermatologist, Dr. Boucher, to check the pre-cancer places and to discuss the Mammogram results.  Dr. Boucher said the results were Normal; the lump was an increase in breast tissue fiber; no sign of malignancy; no need for further action at this time.  But we asked how could it be normal??  There is a lump!!  What do we do about that??  Dr. Boucher recommended that Ken see a General Surgeon for his opinion of what should be done.

We set up an appointment with Dr. Johnson of Mid-Florida Surgical for the next time we were in the Orlando/Clermont area, Tuesday, January 28.  Dr. Johnson viewed the film of the Mammogram and Ultrasound and confirmed Dr. Boucher's determination.  He told us the lump was an enlargement of the gland tissue known as Gynaecomastia.  Common in men; they come and may go away.  Usually, Gynaecomastia in men appears in both breast.  Because Ken's lump was only on the left side (a possible symptom of cancer), Dr. Johnson decided to do a Guided Needle Biopsy that same day in his office to send samples to Pathology for further analysis.

Have you ever seen a Needle Biopsy??  The "Needle" was hollow, about 10-12 inches long and the diameter was a little smaller than my little finger.  The doctor gave Ken a quick prick with the numbing needle and almost immediately started drilling with the Biopsy Needle into the side of Ken's left breast.  We were able to watch on a monitor as the Biopsy was performed!  The doctor drilled about 5-6 inches to get into the fiber mass.  I watched as a little squiggly thing came out and dropped into the handle of the Needle.   He stopped drilling momentarily and the nurse picked up the sample with tweezers and put it into a glass jar.  The process was repeated for four more samples.


Dr. Johnson said if the Pathology results were negative, there was no need for a follow-up unless there was a change in the lump or it bothered Ken.  The Pathology results came back negative for Atypia or Malignancy.  But  Ken decided to go ahead with surgery to have the lump removed while we were still in the Orlando area.

Ken's Surgery was on Monday, February 24, at South Lake Hospital in Clermont.  Dr. Johnson was the surgeon.  The hospital staff prepped Ken for 11:30 AM surgery.  However, Dr. Johnson was held up in a previous surgery.  Ken's surgery did not take place until 1:30 PM.  The staff took good care of Ken and provided for his every need.  Following surgery, Dr. Johnson stopped by and told us everything went perfectly.  The lump in Ken's left breast was removed with a small incision, so we don't have to worry about that anymore!

Ken is now just lounging around the RV recovering from the surgery.

SECOND - FAYE GETS BLU-U LIGHT FACIAL TREATMENT!!

Going back to our first visit to our new Dermatologist in Clermont, FL on Monday, December 9, Dr. Boucher also examined me.  He found and froze several pre-cancer cells on my face, especially around the nose area.  He also took a biopsy of a mole-looking bump on my left calf.  At our follow-up appointment on Tuesday, January 14,  Dr. Boucher said the biopsy from the bump on my left leg was negative.  He gave me a prescription for a cream to treat pre-cancer places on my face.  As an alternative he mentioned a BLU-U Light treatment that would be covered by Medicare.  I chose not to get the cream because the prescription was very expensive.

After considerable thought (and vacillation), I decided to go with the BLU-U Light treatment.  The plan was for two sessions, the first on Tuesday, February 25.  I sat in an examining room.  Dr. Boucher's assistant cleaned my face and then applied a topical solution.  She placed protective eyewear over my eyes and placed the BLU-U Light in front of me.  The BLU-U blue light is of low intensity and did not cause any discomfort except that I (Faye!) had to sit perfect;u still!  The treatment lasted for 15 minutes.  The assistant applied sunscreen to my face and I went home.  I was to continue using the sunscreen and stay out of the sun for 48 hours.  For the next several days my face was flushed and there was some slight burning, tingling and itching but nothing bad.  I just spent the week inside with the day-night shades closed.  Besides, Ken was at home with me, recovering from his surgery.

My second BLU-U light treatment was on Tuesday, March 4.  In the doctor's office, the process seemed to be the same, but the after effects back home are certainly different!!  My face looks like I fell asleep in the sun for four hours!!  It burns, stings, itches, drives me crazy!!  Now, five days later, it is also peeling!  Needless to say, I have not been out of the RV!!  Still keeping the day-night shades closed!!  Do not want anyone to see me!!

As I said, we have been out of commission - out of touch - out on "sick leave"!!

Hopefully, next week both Ken and I will be fully recovered and can go out and PLAY AGAIN!!!






1 comment:

irishrovers said...

Hi FayE,
I had that Blue Light treatment last fall before we left Oregon. They only did it once though.
Hope you are both better and ready to get out and go.
Dick