It Has Been Awhile

14 months and 2 surgeries later I am still in the same spot! Thankfully there has been no tumor recurrence! Bad thing is my 2 bone graft surgeries did not work! I saw my Dr almost 2 weeks ago and he said he feels I should be able to walk on my foot without the metal and screws breaking or coming loose. I have to wear sneakers only, if I would have been told this last year I would have been so sad but now I feel full of joy, as long as I do not need this 3rd surgery!! If a problem does occur I will need what is called a free vascularized fibular graft....UGH!

I have been in my sneakers for almost 2 weeks and so far so good. I have pain only in my ankle because it is stiff from not using it in over a year. The Dr does not want me in physical therapy because he is afraid the manipulation can damage the metal. So I am happy! I will be even more happier next year when I reach the 2 year mark. I was told when I was diagnosed with Giant Cell Tumor that we would have to wait to become pregnant for at least 2 years. I am eager to add to our family and pray that can start next Fall.

I will be back when I have some more news!

1st Follow Up Visit

2 weeks down a few more to go!! April 10th was my first follow up visit with my Dr since having surgery. I had an xray done and everything seems to be in place. Unfortunately I am now in a hard cast. My Dr wants to make sure that my foot is totally immobilized, which is good for the healing process. The cast is uncomfortable but nothing I can't tolerate. I had my stiches removed, and I kid you not, when I say it was the worst pain I have ever endured. My hip feels fabulous, I am just sore but besides that I have no pain....thank you God! So I got the OK to go out an do things, but if I feel throbbing (which I will because of the swelling) I need to elevate my foot. So other then this being annoying, it really isn't so bad. I guess I have become use to being somewhat immobile. Luckily I my daughter to take my mind off of this, she does something new and amazing everyday, it really is so awesome! Tonight will be my first outting and I am so excited, nothing crazy just out to dinner but with my 2 favorite people, Chris and Jules!!

Some Good News For Once

Just an update...I got a call from the physicians assistant at my surgeons office. She let me know that they received my pathology results. The beauty mark they removed, was as I thought, nothing. The lump that they biopsied on the bottom of my foot, is nothing to be concerned about. It showed fibrous tissue, which is basically an inflammation. So good news to start my recovery period.....only better things are to come. I am so looking forward to walking the boardwalk, down the shore with my family this summer.

I Have Survived My 2nd Surgery

I am now 5 days post/op. Surgery went well I guess. He removed bone from my right hip this time and also added OP-1 (Osteogenic Protein-1) aka (BMP-7). It is used to stimulate bone growth. I am still learning about what this is exactly. I was told 30 minutes before surgery that I would be getting this. I was a bit upset at that, because I like to research everything before hand. I had an epidural and PCA pump for a day and a half to help with the pain, but it just make me sick to my stomach. He biopsied a lump that was on the bottom of my foot and also removed a "suspicious" beauty mark, I haven't gotten the results on that but I am so sure it is nothing. I am doing much better with the nausea but for some reason the pain is much worse this time around. All I can do now is pray to God that this bone graft takes. My Dr said it will take 3-6 months to know exactly how well it is healing. I am just really looking forward to a happy summer spent on the beach with my beautiful family. I hate to be so sappy but I really love my family I don't think I would ever be able to survive all these surgeries without them. They help make my pain better, especially kisses from Julia!! I also need to mention how wonderful Hackensack Medical Center is. The hospital itself is just so clean and the Dr's and nurses from pre-op to recovery to my room were just so caring and comforting, it made a horrible experience a little bit better. So with all that being said our fingers are crossed, praying for this tumor to be gone and my bone to heal nicey nice!!!

SURGERY #2 HAS ARRIVED

So this Friday is the BIG day. I know this will be my last surgery and I will be walking like a pro by summer time BUT I am still scared as hell. Even though I know what to expect I am still scared. The thought of entering that cold , bright OR with 15 people in scrubs, freaks me out. I am not going to lie I was in pain after my first surgery but the pain part doesn;t scare me, it is the major anxiety attacks and hallucinations I had after. The Dr said it was from after effects of anesthesia or from a feeling of being trapped sinced I could barely move. Whatever it is the worst feelings in the world. I am not looking forward to being woken up all night to get my temp taken. AHHHHHHH WHY ME????? This tumor is so friggin annoying and the fact that it is so unpredictable pisses me off! I haven't gotten a decent nights rest in a week I am totally stressing out but I need to just chill and work on my speedy recovery. Soon as I feel up to it I will be back with an update.

Surgery Scheduled

OK it is all set. My 2nd surgery is ready to go March 28. I am really not even nervous. I am just hoping this recovery is better then the last. I have a very good feeling about this one. I go for an MRI tomorrow for the lump on the bottom of my foot. Hoping that comes back as nothing major that way all I have to worry about is this next surgery. All I need is my clearence for surgery. I am actually happy that I get to celebrate Easter before being layed up for a few weeks. So say some prayers for me!!! I will be back after surgery or maybe right before to say how scared I am hahaha. I think I am ok with this one since I know what to expect.
xoxo
Theresa

Happy Valentines Day

So today was my follow up visit with my Dr and unfortunately I have no good news. I had an xray done and he reviewed by CT Scan, my bone is what they call nonunion. He said the bottom of the bone seemed to have some cloudiness but definitly not enough. He is going to have to take more bone, but this time from my right hip (yay I can now have matching scars on each side) I will have to be non weightbearing again but he said not for long because he wants to get me walking to maybe stimulate bone growth. Once again there is a chance that this will not work and then I will need Vascularization Bone Graft, I didn't even ask him what that is but he did say it is traumatic and we are going from lease invasive to most invasive. For some reason I have a good feeling about this one.
I have had a lump growing on the bottom of my foot which he has said looked like Plantars Fibroma and we have been monitoring it. It has grown a bit since December so I need and MRI next week. He said it can be a Giant Cell Tumor, however, it is not characteristic of GCT. You know just something new for me to worry about. I am sure it is nothing but I am still nervous.
And now from not using my foot I have developed osteosporosis. I turned 30 and everything has went down hill. He wants me to start swimming so I joined the Polar Club and we will be heading down to the shore this weekend. Just kidding, I guess I can use the YMCA.
So thats my news. I have not scheduled the surgery yet. I am waiting for his people to call me to see what we can set up. We will be taking a family vacation in 2 weeks which is much deserved right now, and then when we get back the panic will set it. Actually I am pretty good. It is what it is. I am here and living, just some set backs, nothing I can't handle!!
Thanks for the prayers and positive thoughts
xoxo
Theresa