2024 Wrapped Up

2024 wasn't a favorite year of mine.  By day 4, I hated it.  That's when I lost my sweet Sarge.

Best old man ever!

Let's start back to turning 40 in June 2023.  That meant it was time for my 1st mammogram and colonoscopy.  I had my mammogram in Nov '23 and unexpectedly it showed something questionable, several micro calcifications.  That led to a follow-up, plus ultrasound and then an ultrasound guided biopsy in December.  

Also in November '23, I started experiencing crazy neck pain and then furthered to numbness down my right arm.  In December, I visited the orthopedist to see what was going on.  We tried treating with gabapentin after the X-ray didn't show anything.  Gabapentin made me miserable - totally changed my mood.

So 2024 started with uncertainty of my breast and neck (plus still being in pain).  I visited a breast surgeon in January who took over my case and sent me for a stereotactic biopsy.  This is one hell of a torture device that had to have been created by a man.  You lay face down on table with your boob through a hole.  They then smash it and stab it (meaning use a needle to take multiple samples, thankfully numbed).  The results came back as PASH-like changes & radial scar tissue but NO cancer.  YAY!  I was to follow up in 6 months.

Awaiting my biopsy 

Also in January I went for an MRI of my neck to see if we could find more answers.  And we did.  I had a herniated disc between C5-C6.  My original orthopedist wanted to do surgery.  Um, no thank you.  I went for a second opinion and he agreed that I didn't have to have surgery and that it could heal itself over time.  Also I consulted my chiropractor and we started doing traction on my neck.  I can't recommend that enough!  I went 3x week for several weeks then slowly backed down, to which I'm now at once every 3-4 weeks. The numbness is gone, and was gone in the 1st week!  I still am extra careful lifting things and moving my neck as I don't want to hurt it again.  

So the Spring was spent nursing my neck - still working out, just doing light weights and limited movements.  Captain decided it was time for some attention and had a bowel obstruction.  We went to the vet 2 times in 1 day and then decided he would need surgery the next morning.  Miraculously he passed the toy right before leaving home for the vet!  We still went in to confirm the blockage had cleared - it had!! Woohoo!  However, 2 weeks later he had an impacted anal gland, so had to have that drained and cleaned out.  Crazy Captain also had to have 2 emergency vet visits in August while at the cabin...no clue what he got into but he threw up for about 36 hours.  Again, miraculously he recovered with some fluid and meds.  This guy keeps me on my toes!

Little guy does not feel good 💔

Then summer came along and it was time for my mammogram follow up.  Again, the same spot still wasn't looking quite right.  I went to a second facility for another stereotactic biopsy.  This time the radiologist did a much better job at getting the area that was in question as it turns out the 1st one wasn't perfect.  Thankfully again no cancer, but still an area of concern.  It was recommended we either continue to watch and scan every 6 months or remove the area.  

While I wasn't panicked about the spot, it was still a weight on my shoulders about the unknown and chance it might be bad on the next scan.  So, we opted for surgery.  Now, I had several trips on the horizon, and based on the surgeons schedule at the hospital I wanted to use, we didn't get to surgery until 11/7.  So, I had a lumpectomy!  It was my 1st ever surgery and having CF I had a lot of conversations with the surgeon and my CF team.  We decided that I would not be completely under so that I would still be breathing on my own - they did more of a twilight type sleep (think colonoscopy or wisdom teeth removal).  Everything went great, the area was removed, recovery went fantastic and I'm back to normal!  

Ready for surgery!

Also in November I finally had my colonoscopy.  The procedure was super easy and fast.  Again I got to have a nice knocked out sleep! haha!  My doctor uses that horrible jug of fluid you have to drink.  I was starving by the end of the day and nearly gagging on the taste of the concoction.  Thankfully the purge went well...no 💩catastrophes and I was able to get a decent night sleep til I had to get up at 5am to drink the 2nd half of the concoction.  All was good and cleared for 10 years! woohoo!

Doubting if I would be able to drink it all...but I did!

So, my year ended on a good note with my health.  Oh, and I forgot I had this crazy lump grow in my mouth in the spring.  Went to the dentist and again I had to have another biopsy.  Sheesh!  It was just a clogged salivary gland so nothing major...just weird.  

Mouth full of gauze.

So 3 biopsies, 1 surgery and a colonoscopy concluded my 2024. 😳

Now onto the good parts, on top of the no cancer!

This Spring, we fostered a precious puppy for the Georgia English Bulldog Rescue named Savannah.  I fell in love.  She had an anal prolapse and needed surgery, so we got to nurse her back to health, get her transitioned to solid foods and ready for a forever home.  Also we discovered she was deaf and I started teaching her some sign language!  Happily she found the perfect forever family after about 8 weeks with us.  I miss her dearly but am so happy for her.  

Bully Ball!

Cap promoted to Foster Brother!

Loving my crazy pups!

I went to Italy in May to celebrate my youngest sister graduating college.  We had a fantastic time, ate tons of great pasta & gelato, and drank tons of great wine and champagne.  I can't wait to go back again one day!

The Graduate, Callie

Cooking class in Rome

The Colosseum 

On the island of Burano

In July, my sorority had its convention in Indianapolis and I received our Honor Ring.  It was such a proud moment for me and I was lucky to be surrounded by some of my friends and family.

My ZTA sisters!

Family too! 

Then, I went to Scotland and Ireland in late August/early September.  Will and some buddies had a Scotland golf trip planned, so my friend Kathryn & I went to Edinburgh while they golfed and met up with the hubbies in St. Andrews at the end of their trip.  Then the 4 of use went to Ireland for another week.  Again, lots of good eating and AMAZING beer! Another place I will definitely go back to.

Edinburgh

Saint Andrews

Kissing the Blarney Stone

Blarney Castle

Cliffs of Moher

In October we surprised my dad with a 70th Birthday party in Pittsburgh! Also had a girls weekend at our cabin in WV!

Happy Birthday Dad!

Girls at TOOT in Lewisburg

In November I went to Atlanta to shop for wedding dresses for my sister (she got engaged in September)! We had a great girls weekend! And we went to Knoxville for Thanksgiving with the family.

She said Yes to the Dress!

Black Friday shopping for the girls!

December was rather quiet, which was nice.  We headed to WV after Christmas and rang in the New Year there.

Captain loves the fire!

Love all the deer in our yard!

So, I'm happy and healthy despite the crazy year! Here's hoping for an uneventful 2025!