Hey everyone...I'm back

Gosh I have missed y'all so very much. Here's the latest information. I now live in Morristown. I had my 7 month check-up today and measurements. Dr. Colquitt was very pleased with my blood work and weight loss. I started out at 277.5 and I'm 182 now. Drum roll if you please: I don't have to go back and see him until January at my one year anniversary. Here's the measurements that was taken last September and what they are today. Upper abdomine (not the chest) was 49 now36, waist 52 now 40, and hips 57.5 now 46.5. The leukemia is doing much better since they doubled my medication. But it does cause me to retain more fluids, but it doesn't drop the potassium as fast as the 400 mg did, I have more energy, and not queasy like I was on the lower dosage. I feel stronger too. Well, if I don't eat something soon I won't be strong, I'll be passed out. Love to all and remember let God travel with you on your new journey. Kathy

Hey girl!! Good to see you back. Been meaning to call, but have been busy. Hope all is still going well. How do you like your new place? Talk to you soon. Sara.

Hi Sara, it's good to be back, I have really missed everyone. I haven't gotten much done this week in the settling department. Hard to do with one arm in a sling. I am going to at least get the pans and food put away. Maybe then I can find the rest of the dishes, and fix something to eat. Talk with you later. love ya, Kathy

Hello Kathy! Glad to hear that you are feeling and doing much better! That is always WONDERFUL to hear! You sound very happy now & I know that you must be estatic!!!!!

Hi Kim, I have been reading up on you since I got back to TN. Weight and leukemia I am doing great with. It's the emotional roller coaster that I've been on over the summer that is getting to me. How are you doing? Believe me when I say, I missed everyone. I hated it that I couldn't just jump online when I wanted to. Now that I am hooked up again, I'm not getting much done. Between playing catch up with my Dr.'s after being away, then moving into an apartment that is only one bedroom vs, by two bedroom trailer and 2 baths, I am not sure where to start. I will probably have to take a lot of stuff and just put it in a small storage bin, then when I go to my sons house, take what I can and put it in his attic, as I plan on moving into the Nashville area this time next year when the lease is up. I don't know how long I have with this rare leukemia, and I want to spend as much time with my sons and grandsons before it's too late. I would have done it this time, except for having to see my surgeon every three months. Now that I don't have to see him for my 9th month weight-in, and just see him in January at my one year, I can start planning on the future. God will see me thru all this turmoil in my life, he has me here for a reason. I have to trust he knows what he's doing. You take care and always let God travel with you in all your journeys to a better life. Love Kathy

Welcome back Kathy! So good to hear from you. It sounds like you are really settling in to your new home. Things are progressing with me as well. I'm going for my surgical consultation on Aug 17th and hopefully will get my date for the next week. Congratulations on your progress, you're almost to the 100 lb mark, thats awesome! Karen

Hi Karen, thanks, all's well so far, but today my nerves and the stress I was under just snapped. I had to call the police as the maintance man won't leave me or my breast alone. All they would do is say change the dead bolt, and take out a restraining order. About that time I started having severe chest pains like spasms in my heart. They had to call an ambulance. I have been at the hospital since 7:30 this morning. I go every Thursday for my potassium level blood work. It was 3.2 last week and this week. Normal is 3.6-5 but not low enough for them to have to hook me up. That's good. But other then that, unpacking is hard to do with one hand as I can't use the left arm until the spasms go away. I didn't notice who you have for a surgeon. Have you already had all your paperwork sent into the insurance and been approved? Don't be disappointed when you have your consult and don't get a surgery date for the following week. We all wish that, but sometimes the surgeon is already booked up and will give you a date at the earliest convenience. Keep your chin up, all good things come to those who wait. I waited 3 years, and it happened. This apartment is infested with fleas, and my legs have the bites to prove it. I've got flea powder on the carpet right now. But will be getting this place bombed and 7 day garden dust put out around my apartment on the carpet and driveway area. I'll keep you in my prayers, Karen, that all your dreams will come true for a successful surgery and a speedy recovery. Best of luck. Love Kathy

Hi Kathy! My doctor is George Woodman, here in Memphis. Yes, I have been approved (in 10 days no less) and I've had all my pre-op. I am pretty certain that I will get a date for the week following my consultation or at least the week following that. Dr Woodman himself told me that he usually operates on you the week following the consultation. The pre-op workup that my doctor does is only good for 30 days so he gets you scheduled fairly quickly so you don't have to repeat all the tests. Thank you for your prayers. I will let you know next week what my date is. Love, Karen