Results Are In - Basal Cell & Squamous Cell - Skin Cancer

The last few years have been eventful!  Open Heart By-Pass Surgery!  PVC's in my heart! Ultrasounds for Liver & Spleen!  A broken tooth & new bridge for my dentist!  And now, a new venture, the BIG C!

I always was one to "burn" in the sun.  As a kid, especially while coaching for over 30 years, and just being outdoors!  RED FACE & SUN BURN!  Now, at age 60, the results are a battle with skin cancer.

Fortunately, I do not think it is that bad!  Here is what I learned today.

One mark is "Basal Cell".  The other "Squamous Cell". The information seams to point to removal without to much of a problem.  Take a look at the website I have marked for more information.  The procedure that is most often used is called "Mohs Surgery" (this surgery is used for both Basal & Squamous Cells)

The numbers are interesting!  They say about 1 in 5 will develop skin cancer in their lifetime! (Any lottery I didn't want to win!)  Another good number is 99% cure rate!  I like that one!!!

Next week I find out when we will schedule surgery and more on the type of surgery I will have!

Stay tuned as we learn together!  There is more battles ahead for this 60 year old!!  And I'm sure, if you are ready this blog, you have stories too!!

From Heart Doctor to Liver Doctor to Dermatologist!

The journey of health for many people takes news twists & turns!  Some are very boring, your born and then you die. (MOST ARE NOT THAT WAY!)  My new venture was undertaken last year and continues.  Here is the latest.

Last summer I decided to visit a dermatologist.  Mostly, because stuff was growing on my face that looked weird.  After my first visit, my Dermatolgist, Dr. Mueller, started to work on the objects that decided to pop up on my face!

She froze a couple of things & suggested Picato Gel to be placed on areas attacked by the sun! This would help attack the - Actinic Keratosis.  That was last year.

Today, I had my first "total body" check!  This was the first time in almost 40 years I had another women's hands ALL OVER my body!  Of course, first was my mother, then my beautiful wife Sue, 40 years ago!  Well, it felt different this time around!!!

The body looked good!(At least the idea that I had no crazy growths or skin issues!)  But, Dr. Mueller still had some concern about the areas around the face.  She took two biopsies and will have me back in November for a new treatment!

More to come!

My Liver Doctor is HAPPY With My Test Results!

When I saw my results I was happy.  Then I visited my doctor and she was happy!!  What is next?

In 3 months -
     Another Blood Test
     Another Ultrasound
     Another doctor visit

So, what is my game plan?

1 - Continue to lose weight - lost 11 pounds - try for 10 more!

2 - Continue South Beach Diet

3 - Continue Exercise Program

HAPPY LIVER!!!!

Visit With My Liver Doctor!

Today is my visit with my Liver Doc - Gastroenterologist!  I had a chance to view my blood work before my appointment today and the two areas of concern look better!!!  Here are my two blood tests with the dates taken:

Hepatic Function Panel
Component               Reference Range            Date - 3/18/13        Date 8/9/13
AST (SGOT)                13-40 U/L                          64                            34
ALT (SGPT)                7-52  U/L                          121                           47

AST (SGOT)

UNDERSTANDING LAB TESTS

AST, or aspartate aminotransferase, is 1 of the 2 "liver enzymes." It is also known as serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase, or SGOT. AST is a protein made by liver cells. When liver cells are damaged, AST leaks out into the bloodstream and the level of AST in the blood becomes higher than normal. AST is different from ALT because AST is found in parts of the body other than the liver--including the heart, kidneys, muscles, and brain. When cells in any of those parts of the body are damaged, AST can be elevated.

Explanation of test results:

A high AST level often means there is some liver damage, but it is not necessarily caused by hepatitis C. A high AST with a normal ALT may mean that the AST is coming from a different part of the body. It is important to realize that the AST level in most patients with hepatitis C goes up and down. The exact AST level does not tell you how much liver damage there is, or whether the liver is getting better or worse, and small changes should be expected. However, for patients receiving treatment for hepatitis C, it is helpful to see if the AST level goes down.

ALT (SGPT)

UNDERSTANDING LAB TESTS

ALT, or alanine aminotransferase, is 1 of the 2 "liver enzymes." It is sometimes known as serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase, or SGPT. It is a protein made only by liver cells. When liver cells are damaged, ALT leaks out into the bloodstream and the level of ALT in the blood is higher than normal.

Scroll over image to see an animation of liver enzymes leaking into the blood.

Explanation of test results:

A high ALT level often means there is some liver damage, but it may not be related to hepatitis C. It is important to realize the ALT level goes up and down in most patients with hepatitis C. The ALT level does not tell you exactly how much liver damage there is, and small changes should be expected. Changes in the ALT level do not mean the liver is doing any better or any worse. The ALT level does not tell you how much scarring (fibrosis) is in the liver and it does not predict how much liver damage will develop.

http://www.hepatitis.va.gov/patient/diagnosis/labtests-ALT.asp

Cardio Workout! AND THANKS!!

It is amazing what medical miracles allow us to do!  Last night I played 7 innings in my over 60 softball league!  This morning I did my 3 mile workout & came home & mowed the grass!  I have not done this lately - THANK YOU!

Dr. Burlingame my Heart Surgeon, great quintuple by-pass!

Dr. Worley & Dr. Murwaha, my cardiologists!

What an amazing team!  And I am prove of your handy work!!!

Two & a Half Years After Open Heart Surgery!

Two & a Half Years After Open Heart Surgery! Looking in the rear view mirror, the operation at times seems like a dream!  Here are my observations:

1 - It is easy to go back into the "old"ways that made this happen!  Diet, exercise, & life style are all choices!  Especially in times of stress!  It is easy to give into the food that comforts you!  It is easy to sit in front of the TV instead of walking 3 miles!  Plan your diet!  Plan your exercise!!

2 - Genetics are relevant!  Know your roots!  Listen to older relatives!  Ask questions!

3 - Understand your meds!!  Take the time to research your medicines that doctors give for your health issues!  DO NOT think a doctor has all the answers!

4 - DO NOT assume your doctors are talking to each other!  EVEN IN THE SAME PRACTICE!  Keep notes after your visits & share with your doctors!  As you get older, your list of doctors grows - share information!

5 - Share your expertise with others & listen to others!  Your friends & relatives can be a BIG help!  I remember listening to older people talk about their health issues & saying, "Old people talk too much about their health issues!"  Now it dominates my conversations!

6 - Start your bucket list!!  If you search the internet, you will find MANY ideas!  Here is one:

What’s on Your Bucket List? 101 Things To Do Before You Die

The list is personal, but look for your ideas!  More ideas to come!

Healthy Heart - South Beach Diet - Cooking Veggies!

OK, staying healthy is going to take some work!  And since I'm semi-retired & my wife is still working, I am the main cook!  That is amazing!  But, exciting!

Since it is summer, I am grilling!  That is my main focus(even when it snows!)  So, today I found a great article to help me cook veggies!

A Guide to Steaming Vegetables

Some of the steps I already do! But what do I need?  A Steaming Basket!

Found some at my favorite store - Walmart!  Walmart Steaming Baskets!

Now, Microwave sounds easy, but we could use a new Microwave!  Let's go back to Walmart and look for a microwave!!! Walmart Microwaves!

So, the cook needs new toys!!