this is the week for me to see doctors... Monday, I finally got my new contacts from ophthalmology.. yeay... I can see better but I continue to have the other symptoms from before, some even feeling worse. Dr. Russo was flabbergasted when I told him that no one has called me about the results of the CT Scan yet. He said he could've read it to me. I told him I asked whoever answered the phone if he could read it and they told me that since he was not a medical doctor but an optometrist, they did not feel comfortable having him read it to me. Anyways, he insisted I see the ocuplastics right away. I guess he's back from his trip....
Tuesday was blood work day. I like going to the clinic in Oakbrook Terrace because the lab techs there are very good and precise in getting my vein... they always get it on the first try... didn't feel too faint this time around. I hate that I always bruise though, every time... oh well...
wednesday was tx day. I also saw the oncologist... she wants to be kept in the loop with what's going on with they thyroid and with my eyes.. she's pleased with my increased energy and activity. i really like talking to her and seeing her. The MRI results were fine, we will keep an eye if things change.
I finally got the follow-up visit with Dr. Yoo... apparently he was on a mission trip to another country. How can I be upset with someone who went on a mission trip? so all's forgiven. He asked questions, measured my eyes again and told me the results of the CT scan. He said there was no swelling behind the eyes, so that's good news. But, it is getting worse, as far as the eyes being more exposed/more open. He feels that it has something to do with my thyroid. He mentioned Graves disease.. this is the 2nd time he mentioned it to me, but I think my blood work in not too conclusive in this area.. that's why Dr. Fearon has been monitoring my thyroid for almost 3 years now... one level is low and the other is in the low normal limits, so it's difficult to make a solid diagnosis. But, I am having symptoms similar to those of Graves disease. tingling in my feet and hands; tremors in my hands; sweating; some nervousness/anxiety; most of all my left eye. All the other symptoms I thought were side effects from my chemo drugs... I guess they overlap, but how do you tell? All I know is that Frendell told me he can see the white of my eyes when I sleep and I do wake up with alot tearing (meaning more dryness) and sometimes when I shower, water and soap gets in my eyes. So, he recommends some drops for the PM in addition to the ones I use during the day. If this doesn't work, I need to try an eye cream. If that sill doesn't work, I have to tape my eyes shut when I sleep. He said that I may eventually have to have surgery to lower my eyelids to protect my eyes. Yikes... I certainly don't want to have eye surgery.
So, the PCP nurse called me today for the blood test results. My Vit D level is up to normal! Yeay!! I guess the 50,000 IU/week for 3 months worked. Now, I only have to take 1,000 IU/day. The thyroid levels are the same... one low, one straddling normal. I mentioned to her that I had seen oculoplastics because of my eyes. Not even 20 mins later, I get another call... the PCP wants me to have more extensive blood work done and thyroid scan scheduled asap. So, that's where we are now. I am scheduled for next month. I even spoke with the doctor from nuclear medicine.. she assured me it doesn't hurt but it is a 2-day process because I have to take some medicine with a small amount of iodine. So, 2 weeks prior to the scan, no sushi, no kale, no iodized salt, no multivitamins, etc. I'm glad the PCP got involved; she usually wants to check things right away and she's very thorough.
I worked today and I am tired... and I have a cold... and I am sleepy.... and did i mention tired? have a great holiday everyone... I hope it's sunny but not hot :-)
