….since I’ve posted here. I’ve been doing well, for the most part. I just wanted to update you and make a comment about a weird thing that’s happened.
I have been experiencing some physical stuff that I am convinced are side effects of chemotherapy and wanted to mention them in case anyone is interested. My vision is not doing so well and I went to the optometrist. I got new glasses and she said that I had the beginning of cataracts, but that wasn’t the cause of my blurred vision. So, off I went to the optomologist.
The opto doc said that the steroids given to me as pre-medication to the chemo, causes a different kind of cataract that is now causing the vision issue. So when I asked him, does Chemo cause vision problems (in this case cataracts) he said that he didn’t know. He did know that steroids do, and asked me about my psoriasis, which usually is treated with steroids.
The amount I had a long time ago for the psoriasis was minimal and not the cause, but the amount in the pre-meds for chemo, was substantial and likely caused the subcapsular cataract that occurs at the back of the lenses.
So, what’s next? Cataract surgery and lens implants (which will mean much better vision) sometime in the next couple of months.
I’ve also got some heart problems, still trying to figure those out. Stay tuned!
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Hi Pat, this is Brenda from North Carolina. You really made an impression on me during our flight. You are the true meaning of “fighter”! (I knew you were special the first time I met you
Honestly everytime I get down or I am faced with my parents failing health, I think of you. You are so strong and such an inspiration. Have comfort in knowning you touched my life in ways you could never know as I am sure you have done with others. Please know I think of you often and keep pushing forward!!! Who knows we may one day be on the same flight again!!! All my best. God bless you.
By: Brenda Robbins on June 16, 2011
at 12:49 pm
Brenda, I think of you, too. Your willingness to listen to me on that trip was really important. That day was one right after I received my diagnosis and I was scared out of my mind. It was good to talk about what was ahead and not be sitting for hours on a plane sinking into the fear.
I hope things are going well for you and that someday we meet again. I am going to visit my daughters in Raleigh in October!
Pat
By: phanz on July 4, 2011
at 8:12 am
Brenda, she is very special. I’ve been most fortunate to grow up with her around.
Pat, I had no idea these things could happen though I’ve always wondered what the long term effects were of chemo. This is craziness but as you already pointed out the positive: better vision: I guess that’s ok. So weird though. I hope this doesn’t seem like another thing to go through. Sure, you’ll have to change your plans a bit. On the upside, you get to be chauffeured until your eyes heal
It just gives someone a chance to bless you like you have blessed so many of us 
Love you, Pat. Big hugs! If you need anything, please let me know.
By: Nadine Solomon on June 16, 2011
at 5:30 pm
Love you Mom. Glad you are writing again! PS – Dec to June is more than “a while”
While its a pain (literally), I am glad that we dont have to wait to get it fixed.
xoxoox
By: Corinne Sheltren on June 16, 2011
at 8:32 pm
Sorry to hear about your eyesight , didn’t know that about Chemo but I have 3 friends who have had the cataract operation and it went very well for all of them, 20 /20 without glasses for a while, so that is one good effect but still not a pleasant thing to have happen, as for your heart, it seems that yours is very strong, judging by your life and family, I hope it will carry you on for a long time to come, love and best wishes, Buni
By: bonita paulis on June 21, 2011
at 4:44 pm
Welcome back, I hope all will go well. My Pat is also having issues with her eyesight. I guess we should have it checked out. I had to change my blog site so I am now on WordPress under: http://patandfloyd.wordpress.com/2011/06/22/good-news/
Take care our prayers are with you.
By: patandfloyd on June 22, 2011
at 2:10 pm
To all of you who have commented here:
Thanks so much for being out there. It’s good to write but I am motivated by knowing that I am “talking” to someone other than myself! You all have helped me through this journey more than you may ever know.
Pat
By: phanz on July 4, 2011
at 8:14 am