Feb 25, 2010

Long Overdue


So, for those of you who don't already know, I'm finally going to the doctor for surgery on my leg. For those of you who REALLY don't know, I had Osteosarcoma (bone cancer) about 12 years ago, and had most of my femur and knee removed. Recently, the pain has been increasing, I'm assuming because it's time for a new replacement femur.

I've been avoiding it for quite some time because

a) surgery is a pain
b) thanks to the fine doctors at the Mayo Clinic, I haven't really trusted any doctors other than my own in Houston
c) I've dealt with the pain for so long, it's become a part of my life.

But the pain is getting so bad it's difficult to walk. Throw that on top of a schedule including working full time and being in school full time, plus trying to keep up with keeping the house clean (and doing very poorly on my part) and taking care of an adorable little boy, I need surgery so I can accomplish all of this and more.

Monday I'll be meeting with a doctor and will also get a CT scan of my chest (but Austin, wasn't the cancer in your leg? Yes, but the kind of cancer I had likes to move from the leg to the lungs, which is not a good thing.) And I'm guessing I'll get x-rays and bone scans too. I'm grateful we have good insurance, because it's going to be a LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOT of money.

My thanks to those family members (ie everyone, but especially Mom and Tracie) who have supported and pestered me to get this done.

I'll keep you posted on the progress and news.

10 comments:

HailerStar said...

Good luck with everything. Keep us up to date. (Hugs)
(I'd known you had bone cancer but I didn't know you had a fake femur, you bionic man, you!) Hope it all goes well and can be done quickly and with as little pain as possible. (I know surgery isn't an easy thing).

Heather Mae the DIY Gal said...

Glad this is finally getting done. Hope everything goes well, and def keep us posted.

Erin said...

I honestly have no clue what I am looking at... is that actually one of your x-rays? -- Anyway, thanks for posting this. I gotta say that I have a new found admiration for you my friend. Recently my dad was diagnosed with cancer and woah, I had no clue what kind of emotional rollercoaster it would be. You are one strong dude! Lots of love your way!!!

Cheryl said...

I'm glad to hear that you are going to be getting this done soon. It's going to be tough, but you will be happy in the long run when you can run after Morgan and not have to be in so much pain.
You always amaze me at what you get done, knowing that you have been in so much pain. I wouldn't be able to do that. I'm a wimp. You are a very good example to all of us.

BrItTneEanN said...

I am also the pestered you too! I had no idea your pain is getting worse, I hope the surgery helps!

Austin said...

Thanks everyone. Erin, it's not MY xray, but it's one online that looks most like mine. That's the front and side view of the prosthesis that's similar to the one in my leg.

Charlo said...

let us know!

Justin said...

We can rebuild him. We have the technology!

And yeah, Austin's actual X-Ray looks *almost* like that, except his is bigger.

Good luck buddy, keep us posted. Looking forward to having time to visit once we move out there (stay tuned for news in the next 2 to 4 months or so).

Katy said...

Good luck Austin! I wish we could be closer to help you out but our prayers are coming your way :)

Laurie said...

I hope all goes well Austin!