posted April 18, 2007 03:33 PM         

Thank you so much for your support. Sorry I didn't reply yesterday, I realized that I missed thanking you last night before I went to bed.

All is well and I should find out more about the treatment schedule by Monday the 23rd.

Lots of love,

pidaua

posted May 01, 2007 07:11 PM         

I have a new doctor that delivered my two nephews via C-section and specializes in fibroid removals (myomyectomy) and pregnancy in older women. He did not want to take me immediately into surgery for fear that my uterus would only have a 50% chance of being viable enough to support a baby (because of the size of the fibroid the uterus is stretched out). He suggest Lupron injections, 3 over 3 months- then surgery. The Lupron shrinks the fibroid, hopefully to the size of a grape (it is currently like a large lemon).

There are side effects that some experience. It seems that those women with endometriosis (adhesions and swelling of the endometrial lining) have much harsher side effects that those with just a fibroid.

Side effects include; flu like symptoms, weight loss, weight gain, back / neck and joint aches, depression, crying, acne, swollen glands, long periods of bleeding, chronic fatigue and a host of others (see www.lupron.com).

When I first had the injection I had a slight headache, then the next morning I felt like I had the flu. I started taking; Calcium, Vitamin B with Iron, Magnesium and Vit C before I started the shots (bone density loss is one of the major side effects, but with Calcium it can be stopped). There have only been a couple of off days, where I was so tired and had allergies like nuts (I have those anyway LOL) that my whole body hurt.

I haven't been depressed or had crying spells. I don't have much of an interest in food (like today, I still haven't eaten even though I need to so I can take my vitamins). Sunday I started spotting, even though I had just finished with Aunt flow Sunday the 18th) and now I am having the revenge of Aunt Flow... Blech....

Lupron causes a spike in Estrogen for about 2 weeks then the Estrogen decreases dramatically such as during menopause. Estrogren keeps the fibroid growing and getting pregnant makes it grow faster (and leads to miscarriages.. I know all too well). I do get warm at times, but no hot flashes yet...

I think it is worth it. Many others on a lupron forum say their side effects do subside by the second injection (mine is on the 21st) with the exception of a few. I'm not looking forward to a 2 week visit by aunt flow... but if it means the successful shrinkage and removal of the fibroid.. so we can have a little Baby Bear...

well..... I can deal with that hee hee...

I'm not sure if anyone else has been on this treatment, if so please share your experiences. If anyone goes on it, please feel free to e-mail me if you want to talk abou *** .

Hugs,

pidaua...

posted May 01, 2007 07:37 PM         

I don't have any input as far as Lupron goes, but I just wanted to say I hope everything goes well for you with the treatment , and that you're reunited with your Bear soon & have a little bearcub or two.

posted May 01, 2007 09:00 PM         

Thank you for your post. I wish you luck as well. I am sorry you are going through such a hard time during your divorce. I was in a similar situation and lost friends when I divorced my ex-husband.

That is how we find out who our true friends are. For ever loss, there is something better to be gained

Hugs,

pidaua

posted May 05, 2007 04:35 PM         

------------------
Sun in Libra
Moon in Cancer
Jupiter in Cancer
Venus in Virgo
Mars in Cancer
Ascendant in Cancer

posted May 05, 2007 06:02 PM         

Sunshine,

I got your e-mail. I am in the middle of responding but I've had few things to take care of... like my crazy little nephews

posted May 08, 2007 10:03 AM         

Just been wondering how everything is going for you, pidaua. Keeping you and Bear in my prayers.

posted May 16, 2007 10:10 PM         

I am doing well. I go in for my second injection on Monday and so far I haven't had too many side effects. I can feel the fibroid shrinking which has been a blessing because now I can comfortably work out and do my yoga.

The only real problems I have deal with sleeping. I am not sure if it because subconsciously I am worried about Bear, so sleep is hard to come by or due to the lupron. But the sleeping issues started as soon as I moved up here, so I think it has to be worry.

Then there are just the boogery issues like how the Dish network screwed up and didn't send the box to my dad, so they charged me $370 for the equipment without my knowledge, it showed up on my credit card statement. Then Verizon sent me two modems and charged me $80 for the second one, which now has to be sent back for the credit- I finally got that taken care of after 3 hours on the phone and being disconnected twice. LOL...

Just minor frustrations, but at least I have the internet and lots of patience

How are you doing?

Hugs,

pidaua

posted June 04, 2007 06:56 PM         

Just wondering how you are feeling, and how the treatments are going?

THinking of you.
Hugs,
GG

posted June 04, 2007 10:35 PM         

Courtney is pregnant and guess what she's going to name her baby?
Roman (your brothers name right? )
How are the boys? still handsome

posted June 05, 2007 11:20 PM         

Things are going well. The best news is that Bear may not be affected by the extension. We will know within a week, so he may be able to come get me in September and off we go to Schweinfurt with the cats

The treatment is going well, better than expected. I can feel the fibroid shrinking and I have been able to work out and do yoga, which was hard on me for about a year due to the abdominal swelling. The only thing I don't like is the hot flashes and night sweats LOL.. then again, if this is what I should expect for my menopause, then I am not going to have too bad of a time LOL...

My surgery is scheduled for July 24th. The doc says he doesn't expect any bleeding (some surgeries can cause major blood loss) and that I am in good health so I should heal quickly. He also feels that it is going to be an in-out thing and my uterus will be just fine.. and ready for a baby bear in the near future.

LL... Congratulations to Courtney!!! YAY... Roman makes a GREAT name for a boy.We actually thought about using that name if we have a boy. The nephews are doing great. Cute as ever..

Here is a pic of Bear opening up one of his care packages.. he is sooooo hot!!!

posted June 06, 2007 09:51 PM         

Your nephews are little dolls and that's a very good picture of Bear.

He is definitely a very good looking man.

I would say, "yes he is hot" but I feel weird using that term on any man when I am old enough to be his mother. LOL

posted June 08, 2007 02:55 AM         

MM,

Thank you so much.... I never truly see myself as being stronger than the next person. I think it is what I have to do, because it is.. what it is. Does that make sense? I also think that being around such strong people here, that have dealt with so much, well, it gives me strength to face whatever comes next.

I also have the strength of an online Army Wives group. We all do everything we can to help each other. One of our fellow AW's just lost her husband on Sunday. I was stunned, although it was only a matter of time. But to see the response, the outreach and the genuine love of the forum. Wives in her area immediately jumped into their cars to go see her, make sure she had everything she needed and some have husbands that are part of the Patriot Guard to help with the funeral.

WOW.... talk about love...

That is what I see here as well. I also tell myself.. as much as I miss my husband, as scary as surgery can be.. I am not in a combat zone, I have not lost Bear and my surgery will be successful (yep.. Saggie optimism).

I do thank you for your word. They mean so much.

Hugs!!! BTW.. how are you doing these days?

pidaua

------------------
Waiting for my Soldier Bear to come home the Sandbox.. I love you Bear...Forever and a Day....

www.IMWITHFRED.com

posted June 09, 2007 12:10 PM         

How are you doing, you strong, lovely knowflake? You're truly amazing, dealing with all that you have to with such maturity, acceptance and patience. I'm so sure that everything will work out wonderfully for you in the future - you'll have both your hunky Bear by your side and a few cute bear cubs to love & care for!

I've been out of town so much this past month, I need to sit down & take the time to write you. Work's had me travelling so much, at least once/twice a week, and it's exhausting, but I'm doing much better than before emotionally. I think I'm healing finally, and ready to move on with my life, and it is such a relief..

Take good care of yourself, sweetie.. hope you're enjoying your adorable nephews. Sending prayers for the safety of Bear & other soldiers, and for your healing,

posted June 26, 2007 08:43 PM         

I just came across this link ( http://www.spousebuzz.com/blog/2007/02/odd_sniffing.html ), and thought of you. It brought tears to my eyes, but I still wanted to post it, because I know you can identify with it more than most... This site is one where military spouses post & support each other.

How are you doing these days? Are you feeling much better health-wise? How's Bear? Is he still able to call in every day? When can he come back home to you?

posted June 26, 2007 08:58 PM         

Thank you for the link . It's cool. Bear is doing well and will be home (Germany) soon and then we'll find out where we are doing. So many changes within the Military and all the closings, re-alignments and consolidations. LOL... We think we either be in Germany, Texas or North Carolina LOL.. maybe even Italy. I'll wait until I see the info on the orders

I am doing well and had my last lupron shot. It makes me achy, tired and I have hot flashes at time. It's okay though- at least I am not in a combat zone. My surgery is scheduled for next month - so the count down is on

How are you? How are you doing? How is your man?

Hugs!!!!

pidaua

------------------
Waiting for my Soldier Bear to come home from the Sandbox.. I love you Bear...Forever and a Day....

www.IMWITHFRED.com

posted June 27, 2007 01:06 AM         

Cool!!! If you come to North Carolina, you'll have to look me up!! I hope he comes soon and you get posted around here somewheres... or in fact, wherever you both want, whatever makes you happiest.

Will Bear be able to be back in time for your surgery? I hope it all goes really, really well, Pid, and that the Lupron's helped a lot; do keep us posted & let us know before you go in so we can send healing thoughts your way especially at that time.

I've been doing fine; travelling like crazy this past month, and keeping busy with school too outside of that. My man's as hunky as ever , and we're inching our way towards each other, taking it very slowly, but I think we're definitely making progress. I'm starting to see signs that he still cares for me as much as before, so hopefully we'll be back together before too long!!