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RE: My doctor's visit this morning

ray3 — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 17:11:44 GMT

I didn't see this thread until today. I don't visit the sideline much. Please know 02 that we are keeping a good thought for you. I hope all is continuing to go well.

RE: My doctor's visit this morning

D6 — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 20:45:08 GMT

Jags02, glad to see that the test results look very encouraging. I hope that you are feeling better each and every day.

RE: My doctor's visit this morning

NPC — Fri, 30 May 2008 21:06:19 GMT

Great news!!:D

RE: My doctor's visit this morning

Utopia — Fri, 30 May 2008 20:49:15 GMT

[quote][b]Jags02 (5/30/2008)[/b][hr]My surgeon called and left a message today. He said he still wants to verify the results for himself, but the Pathologist told him that all the tests were negative. So, it appears my doctor caught the cancer in time when he removed the mole. This is very good news, although at the same time I'm wondering how definitive these results are.

In the meantime, the scars from the surgery have left me in some rather intense pain at times. The pain from the back scar isn't so bad, but the little scar under my arm almost has me worried. It's often very sore and painful, and it's like there's a knot underneath my skin there that gets rather hot. Near the upper opening, it's also quite red and has sort of bubbled over. The pain was better today, however, so I'm hoping it's nothing and just needs more time.

Meanwhile, I've had to stop wearing gauze on my back because the tape was literally peeling my skin off. There's a nasty would still there from the last time the tape was ripped off. It's doing ok open, but my wife says there's one spot that hasn't closed leaving an open hole there. I've been using some generic neosporin on both wounds, and am using hydrogen peroxide to help clean them, and that seems to be working ok. I just feel like I'm fairly exposed at work, and the smaller underarm wound (which I do keep a bandaid on while at work) is bothersome. I'm also hoping to come through this ok financially speaking because I've only been able to work 4 hours per day at work instead of 8 (hence my increased board presence). But that's a concern for my near future. Today is a day for celebrating.[/quote]

Are you on any antibiotics? The symptoms under your arm sound like an infection. Check with Doc about that. He'll probably call you in some antibiotics to be safe. The skin thing may be an allergy to the adhesive on the tape. It's really quite common, and a good alternative is "paper tape" It doesn't bother the skin as much, and I have to use that. It helped me.

Glad to hear that you're doing better though, and that the tests were promising.

BTW, I'm still going to do a "salary cap thread" on your medical bills.:P:D

RE: My doctor's visit this morning

Jags02 — Fri, 30 May 2008 20:43:15 GMT

My surgeon called and left a message today. He said he still wants to verify the results for himself, but the Pathologist told him that all the tests were negative. So, it appears my doctor caught the cancer in time when he removed the mole. This is very good news, although at the same time I'm wondering how definitive these results are.

RE: My doctor's visit this morning

Utopia — Tue, 27 May 2008 19:30:19 GMT

There are various products that minimize the appearance of scars. If you think they may bother you, look into using one. Unfortunately, I am very familiar with that sort of thing. Some parts of my body make me look like a POW. They don't really bother me though. I get a lot of questions from people about my left hand sometimes. I had an accident and several subsequent surgeries and I have a few scars on my hand and forearm from that.

I just tell people that my wife abuses me.:LOL:

RE: My doctor's visit this morning

JagsMac — Tue, 27 May 2008 19:23:47 GMT

Glad to hear it's going well, '02!
...continued prayers....and pay attention to what PF* recommends, of course in conjunction with your MD,.....he has the knowledge.

RE: My doctor's visit this morning

NPC — Tue, 27 May 2008 15:30:12 GMT

[quote][b]oface5446 (5/27/2008)[/b][hr][quote][b]Jags02 (5/26/2008)[/b][hr][quote][b]PF* (5/25/2008)[/b][hr]The narcotics (oxycodone) are also terribly constipating. Eat lots of fruit, bran, etcif possible and drink water.

You can safely goose the oxycodone with a Tylenol or two if you want. FYI- the drug Percocet is simply 5 mg of oxycodone plus 325 mg of Tylenol. If you have the 500 mg (Tylenol Extra Strength) tablets, just take one with an oxycodone. Your max on Tylenol is about 4000 mg/day.[/quote]

Since last night I've been taking only 1 oxycodone and 3 Tylenol, and so far it's doing the trick. This morning I noticed what you're talking about regarding its "constipating" effect, and with that in mind I definitely need to ween myself from the drug as much as possible.

Anyways, I thought you might want to check out some PICTURES...

We took a ruler to it today, and it's actually 8" long. The last picture lets you see how much it protrudes out from the skin.[/quote]

Gross. Makesme think of "Nightmare Before Christmas."

Glad you've pulled through alright, though. Keep your head up (and your shirt on).[/quote]

Sumbitch that's nasty. Try Konsyl for that plugged up feeling. But do so with your md's go-ahead of course.

RE: My doctor's visit this morning

oface5446 — Tue, 27 May 2008 15:03:14 GMT

[quote][b]Jags02 (5/26/2008)[/b][hr][quote][b]PF* (5/25/2008)[/b][hr]The narcotics (oxycodone) are also terribly constipating. Eat lots of fruit, bran, etc if possible and drink water.

You can safely goose the oxycodone with a Tylenol or two if you want. FYI- the drug Percocet is simply 5 mg of oxycodone plus 325 mg of Tylenol. If you have the 500 mg (Tylenol Extra Strength) tablets, just take one with an oxycodone. Your max on Tylenol is about 4000 mg/day.[/quote]

Since last night I've been taking only 1 oxycodone and 3 Tylenol, and so far it's doing the trick. This morning I noticed what you're talking about regarding its "constipating" effect, and with that in mind I definitely need to ween myself from the drug as much as possible.

Anyways, I thought you might want to check out some PICTURES...

We took a ruler to it today, and it's actually 8" long. The last picture lets you see how much it protrudes out from the skin.[/quote]

Gross. Makes me think of "Nightmare Before Christmas."

Glad you've pulled through alright, though. Keep your head up (and your shirt on).

RE: My doctor's visit this morning

Jags02 — Mon, 26 May 2008 19:53:35 GMT

[quote][b]PF* (5/25/2008)[/b][hr]The narcotics (oxycodone) are also terribly constipating. Eat lots of fruit, bran, etc if possible and drink water.

Anyways, I thought you might want to check out some PICTURES...

We took a ruler to it today, and it's actually 8" long. The last picture lets you see how much it protrudes out from the skin.

RE: My doctor's visit this morning

Jags02 — Sun, 25 May 2008 23:49:38 GMT

I do believe you guys are correct in that it's the Oxycodone that's keeping me from sleeping and giving me heartburn. Despite that I went back to taking two yesterday as it seemed more pain was starting to creep in. I'm noticing more glimpses of pain today and I'm still taking two. My fear is that my body has remained somewhat numb from the initial sedative, and that I'm now starting to feel it. It's hard to say though.

At any rate, I do need to ween myself away from it. I figure I really will cut down to only one every four hours tomorrow because the following day I have to be at work. At least I'm now getting about 3 1/2 hours of sleep at a time, and I've begun another regimen of Prilosac OTC which should cure the heartburn since it always has in the past. It's also not as bad now as it had been.

BTW, I finally got a look at the scar having taken my first shower this morning and it's far more gruesome than I imagined. It's sticking up more than a half-inch over the skin along the entire 7" length with stitches poking out all over, and it looks like it was sewn together by a butcher. The scar under my arm is mild by comparison, although I still haven't taken off the underlying bandages from that one as they seem to be holding my skin together there.

Also, the "tingling" has been replaced by a "cold sweat" all over, and part of my underarm has remained numb.

RE: My doctor's visit this morning

PF* — Sun, 25 May 2008 21:53:39 GMT

The narcotics (oxycodone) are also terribly constipating. Eat lots of fruit, bran, etc if possible and drink water.

RE: My doctor's visit this morning

OrmondBchFan — Sun, 25 May 2008 20:45:46 GMT

I am glad to hear your surgery went well. It sounds like your symptons...while aggrevating...are your body's response to trauma (surgery) and new drugs, and you should be feeling a little bit better every day.

What is the next step?

RE: My doctor's visit this morning

jones&24 — Sat, 24 May 2008 00:28:15 GMT

[quote][b]Jags02 (5/24/2008)[/b][hr][quote][b]jagutopia (5/23/2008)[/b][hr][quote][b]Jags02 (5/23/2008)[/b][hr]My throat's doing better.

My issues right now are a rather constant case of heartburn (someone thinks it might be the Oxycodone I'm still taking) along with intense back itching. It's actually the tape holding on the still-bloody bandages that itch so much. I'm supposed to leave it on at least until tomorrow, if not the next day, and then can take it off and shower. On the one hand I can't wait because I think my back is allergic to the tape, but on other hand I'm not convinced the gash is going to be closed by then. If it doesn't, can I still take it off? I'd like to replace the bandage, but we have no tape or anything to do that with.

Suggestions are welcome.[/quote]

As a person who's been much too accustomed to surgeries over the past few years, I can say that the itching is normal. It's part of the healing process, and it's worse for some than others. If you've ever had a bad sunburn, 2-4 days later, the itching is terrible. It's the same thing, just the body's way of rebuilding. If it makes you feel better, it should pass in a day or two though. The oxycodone may not make the itch go away, but I'll bet you won't care about it nearly as much.:D Just be careful with them..............they're terribly addictive.:w00t:[/quote]

I managed to get all the bandages replaced today. It doesn't appear as though they're ready to come off just yet. I might not even shower until Sunday.

I also slowed down to one Oxycodone every four hours instead of two, and that appears to have let the heartburn go away. I think the meds weren't settling right with my stomach, but one pill is enough to take care of all my pain.

Three things are going on with me right now as far as how I'm feeling...

I'm a little tingly all over if that makes any sense
I still have very little appetite
I'm still unable to sleep for more than 2 hours at a time.

[/quote]The oxycodone is preventing you from sleeping.I know it sounds weird. Press your doctor for Tylenol 3 or something else if its bothering you. Of course, an Alieve and a couple of beers will do the trick as well.:2cents:

RE: My doctor's visit this morning

Bjagfan — Sat, 24 May 2008 00:25:23 GMT

Glad that you are healing up :glass-thumbsup:

RE: My doctor's visit this morning

Jags02 — Sat, 24 May 2008 00:01:33 GMT

[quote][b]jagutopia (5/23/2008)[/b][hr][quote][b]Jags02 (5/23/2008)[/b][hr]My throat's doing better.

Suggestions are welcome.[/quote]

I managed to get all the bandages replaced today. It doesn't appear as though they're ready to come off just yet. I might not even shower until Sunday.

Three things are going on with me right now as far as how I'm feeling...

I'm a little tingly all over if that makes any sense
I still have very little appetite
I'm still unable to sleep for more than 2 hours at a time.

RE: My doctor's visit this morning

Utopia — Fri, 23 May 2008 22:03:36 GMT

[quote][b]Jags02 (5/23/2008)[/b][hr]My throat's doing better.

Suggestions are welcome.[/quote]

RE: My doctor's visit this morning

TexasJagsFan — Fri, 23 May 2008 12:00:44 GMT

Hey 02,

I don't think I've posted in this yet, but I have been reading it, and I have been praying for you.

Jon

RE: My doctor's visit this morning

MalabarJag — Fri, 23 May 2008 10:20:50 GMT

[quote][b]Jags02 (5/23/2008)[/b][hr]My throat's doing better.

Suggestions are welcome.[/quote]

As far as the heartburn, just a guess but if you can't sleep on your back it probably aggrevates reflux. I recommend sleeping on your left side as an alternative.

RE: My doctor's visit this morning

NPC — Fri, 23 May 2008 09:53:13 GMT

[quote][b]Jags02 (5/23/2008)[/b][hr]My throat's doing better.

My issues right now are a rather constant case of heartburn (someone thinks it might be the Oxycodone I'm still taking) along with intense back itching. It's actually the tape holding on the still-bloody bandages that itch so much. I'm supposed to leave it on at least until tomorrow, if not the next day, and then can take it off and shower. On the one hand I can't wait because I think my back is allergic to the tape, but on other hand I'm not convinced the gash is going to be closed by then. If it doesn't, can I still take it off? I'd like to replace the bandage, but we have no tape or anything to do that with.

Suggestions are welcome.[/quote]

Just make sure that whoever is helping you with this washes their hands a lot. I know that's elementary, but your back should be a no infection zone.

RE: My doctor's visit this morning

Jags02 — Fri, 23 May 2008 01:13:45 GMT

My throat's doing better.

Suggestions are welcome.

RE: My doctor's visit this morning

MalabarJag — Thu, 22 May 2008 08:27:13 GMT

I'm glad to hear that you came through the surgery without [major] complications.

For the throat, I recommend that you drink a lot of ice water. My son was on pain meds for over a week after a (teenage) tonsilectomy, so don't expect to go off them soon. Pineapple juice has an enzyme that breaks down protein, and this fights both viruses and bacteria; but ask your doctor if it might also interfere with healing.

Keep on top of questioning about whether or not they took out the correct lymph node. Don't be afraid to annoy people. Be 100% sure, if only for your own peace of mind.

RE: My doctor's visit this morning

no1jag — Wed, 21 May 2008 23:08:58 GMT

I feel awful for not seeing this thread before now. 02 you are definately one of my favorite posters on here. You have my prayers that everything will be ok and get well soon from your latest. If anything I or we can do to help through this time PM me.

RE: My doctor's visit this morning

Utopia — Wed, 21 May 2008 23:08:53 GMT

By the way, the mods just let me pin a new thread about your medical bills. I will be posting updates periodically.:D

..................just for laughs and to keep your spirits up.:)

RE: My doctor's visit this morning

Utopia — Wed, 21 May 2008 23:06:39 GMT

Good to hear, 02. If your throat hurts, take another happy pill.(I was really happy to have those after my car accident, BTW) Tell the wife to ditch idol, and that you're watching lost, and everything will be ok. Prayer will take care of the rest.;)

*** cracks open beer in honor of 02 :thumbup: ***

RE: My doctor's visit this morning

Jags02 — Wed, 21 May 2008 22:58:56 GMT

I'm back. I've actually been home for over four hours, but I've been sleeping on the recliner.

There are now two gashes in my body. There's a long slit down my back from the initial procudure. This slash seems to be doing ok. My wife was able to easily take the bandage off enough to take a look at it, and it's not oozing or doing anything they said to look out for, however the shirt I'm wearing is all bloodied up. If my replacement shirt gets bloody there might be some concern there. The reason for this slit was to place radioactive dye in my back so they could track where it goes.

The other gash is under my right underarm. This is where they took out the centinal node to be detected, although I'm actually wondering if the surgeon took out the correct node. I say this because the gal who did my imagine a month ago suggested the dye was going towards my other node, and when the surgeon got to the node he took out he said the dye hadn't even reached it. Although he did say there was some traces of radioactivity, so I suppose they could have done either node. Then again, I'm sure he knew what he was doing.

With all of this I have a few more concerns that almost trump the basic concerns of my back healing up and finding out about cancer. Of course I say "almost" because those are the primary concerns, but these concerns are bugging me...

LOST comes on tonight, but it's airing opposite the final episode of American Idol, and per my wife that's what the tube will be tuned to. Even my begging in pain won't change that, so does anyone know if they have plans to re-air the 2 hour LOST special?
I'm supposed to have my wife also check the wound under my arm, but when we started to remove part of the bandage it hurts like stick. They're stuck to some really sensative skin, so I told her to not even bother. It feels ok, so I figure I just have to hope for the best there. I mean it REALLY hurts trying to take them off.
This one actually seems to trump all of my other concerns by a mile, and has me questioning the competence of my anesthesiologist. They said they had difficulties while operating due to my breathing. I have sleep apnia (not officially diagnosed, but I know I have it), and they couldn't risk me gasping for breath. Well, they ended up shoving the darn breathing tube so far down my throat that is scratched the heck out of my upper lining. Every last swallow hurts like a mo fo, and it even hurts when I cough. I'm actually worried about eating, which I still haven't done yet. The dude went so far down with this tube that I actually coughed up blood while they were operating, and I'm taking Oxycodine pills while sucking on Cepacol lozenges to deal with the pain in my throat. If it wasn't for this concern, I probably wouldn't need any meds.

Thanks for all your concerns. It wasn't that invasive of a surgery as I'm able to move around fine already with no pain. Of course the meds might still be working so I'm not sure how I'll feel in the morning, but so far so good. My work is letting me go into negative sick pay hours to cover these three days and Monday is a holiday, but I need to be back at work on Tuesday. They said to leave the bandages on for a couple days with no shower, but then after that I should be able to just take them off without ever needing to change them. Finally, I should know the results about whether the melanoma has spread at some point late next week. You know I'll keep you posted.

RE: My doctor's visit this morning

Utopia — Wed, 21 May 2008 22:46:03 GMT

Godspeed, 02. And about the 7" incision.........................some guys would just love to have a 7" anything.:D

RE: My doctor's visit this morning

MalabarJag — Wed, 21 May 2008 22:14:41 GMT

We're all still very concerned '02. When you recover to the point of being able to post, let us know how it went.

RE: My doctor's visit this morning

Jagbuck — Wed, 21 May 2008 12:59:38 GMT

I think it has been mentioned before by someone else, but you are my favorite poster on the board as well. I always look forward to your insight and opinions.

God bless and keep your head up. Everyone is praying for you.

RE: My doctor's visit this morning

Stormy — Wed, 21 May 2008 05:54:02 GMT

You are in our prayers.

RE: My doctor's visit this morning

Jagwired'd — Wed, 21 May 2008 05:16:55 GMT

Dude I really hope you battle through this.

RE: My doctor's visit this morning

Jags02 — Wed, 21 May 2008 02:52:25 GMT

I'm off to bed now. In about 5 hours I'll be waking up and then getting ready for a trip back to the hospital. A few hours later my back should be split open.

I'll be back soon enough to continue this thread with an update.

RE: My doctor's visit this morning

MalabarJag — Sat, 17 May 2008 11:29:40 GMT

[quote][b]Jags02 (5/17/2008)[/b][hr]So y'all know, the original surgery to see if the melenoma spread has been re-scheduled for this Wednesday. I hope there are no more complications, and that again the procedure will only reveal good news.[/quote]

My prayers are with you '02.

RE: My doctor's visit this morning

Jags02 — Sat, 17 May 2008 10:09:36 GMT

So y'all know, the original surgery to see if the melenoma spread has been re-scheduled for this Wednesday. I hope there are no more complications, and that again the procedure will only reveal good news.

RE: My doctor's visit this morning

The Mad Dog — Sun, 11 May 2008 14:47:18 GMT

[quote][b]Fargin (5/9/2008)[/b][hr]Been there done that. Didn't mention it before because mine showed damage to the heart.
[/quote]

You mean it actually found one?;)

Sorry Fargin, couldn't resist. I hope everything works out well for both you & Jags '02

RE: My doctor's visit this morning

jones&24 — Fri, 09 May 2008 21:32:00 GMT

Great news! Glad you're OK.

RE: My doctor's visit this morning

Fargin — Fri, 09 May 2008 19:24:12 GMT

Been there done that. Didn't mention it before because mine showed damage to the heart. Good news for you. Hope things go well from here on.

RE: My doctor's visit this morning

Utopia — Fri, 09 May 2008 19:19:56 GMT

Chalk up another win for the good guys.;)

RE: My doctor's visit this morning

D6 — Fri, 09 May 2008 19:17:33 GMT

Excellent news indeed!

Jags02, my thoughts and prayers remain with you and your family. Looking forward to reading more great news from you.

RE: My doctor's visit this morning

MalabarJag — Thu, 08 May 2008 08:25:34 GMT

[quote][b]cici414 (5/8/2008)[/b][hr][quote][b]Jags02 (5/8/2008)[/b][hr]They never did find any clogs and ended up concluding that I have a perfectly healthy heart. [/quote]

Excellent news![/quote]

Yes, I'm very glad to hear that your heart is OK.