Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Jumpin' in my bones

   When I started to get pains in my right leg, I naturally worried. Nowadays, every pain puts me on high alert. I mentioned it to my internist, who calmly suggested bursitis. I left it at that till my next visit with the oncologist.
   They ask the same questions as each visit now: "Any pain, any tingling in your hands, legs, feet??" Well, yes, I do have sharp pains and tingling in my legs. But my regular doc said it was just bursitis. "Well," says my great oncologist, "no offense to him, but I know you better. Let's get it checked out to be on the safe side."    And off I go for a bone scan. Just the thought of it made me nervous.
   I went to Florida to see family and old friends just a day after. I wouldn't hear the news till my return. Of course, I tried to hide my fear by drinking and having a great old time with old friends, thinking all along that maybe I'd never get a chance to do this again. I did have a great time and it was wonderful to spend time with family and see some of my best friends. And I have to admit, I was anxious for the bone scan results.
   For a change, luck was on my side. The scan was clear of cancer, but there were some signs of athritis in my lower back. That could be what's causing the leg pain. What it boils down to is "old age." But darn, it hurts like the dickens at times. As all good oncologists do, they never want a cancer patient in pain. So I'm off to physical therapy -- yet again. That I can handle. Been there, done that. But the thought of bone cancer makes me shiver.
   Once you've been through cancer, every little change in your body sends up the red flags. But better to be safe than sorry. Dr. Perkins is right; I feel much better now that we've run the scan and there's nothing there.
   Till the next time I have another pain...or feel a lump...or just don't feel right....