Wednesday, April 2, 2014 - All has been going fairly well in recovery mode. I still have the neuropathy in my feet and fingertips. It hasn't gotten any worse, but the accupuncture wasn't improving it either, so I stopped that. I make sure and lotion up at least twice a day to keep my feet supple. It helps if I wear shoes (tennis shoes are the most comfortable) and not go around in slippers or socks.
The hair is growing nicely albeit slowly. I went to my hairdresser for a trim over the ears and to get guidance on how to let it grow out. She did not touch the top. Dane trimmed over the ears for me the last time as the top doesn't seem to be doing much more. All in good time. It's pretty straight and all grey, but not bad.
I met with my Oncologist in March. She did an exam and blood work. My WBC is still below normal, but she said this is not unusual for a time after receiving chemo. It did go up some, so I"m not discouraged. I was very careful about being in crowds, etc this winter a I did not want to get the flu. I did alright in that area too. All other blood tests came in normal.
Dr. Coplin told me to come back in September which was a nice surprise because I was expecting 3 month follow-ups for a while. Of course, if I notice any unusual developments like lumps or bone pain I need to get in sooner.
Brayden came and spent a few days with us over his spring break. We had a great time, Dane was off for all but the last day. He is growing up so fast and is a really good kid. I was very tired afterwards and slept a lot. That tells me that my energy is going to take some time to get back and I need to pace myself. Some of my fellow breast cancer warriors have told me the same thing.
Now that the warmer weather is here Willow and I are hoping to get back to walking if my back can handle it. We have gone the subdivision a few times which i 1 mile all the way around. It is tiring so I will take it slow for now.
I was able to fly to Las Vegas with Dane for the IWCE Convention that he usually attends. I rested while he attended, but was able to enjoy the company in the evening with some of the folks he works with. We saw Michael Jackson Cirque de Solei one night also. It was very good. I got to do a little gambling and that is all I have to say about that. Good thing I'm not addicted!!!!!!
Cards have started playing baseball and storms have arrived, so spring is in the air after what seemed like a long winter. I'm so ready.
If you are still reading this blog, thanks for the continued prayers and good thoughts. I do believe they work and I do believe I have won this battle with all your help.
Good Riddance to 2013
Sunday, December 29 - Thought I better post what has been going on since early December so I can close out 2013. My good riddance is for the cancer. The highlight of my 2013 was Adam & Ann getting married and doing well. Adam's 3 year transplant follow up was filled with good news and he is doing great. Our family vacation to Orange Beach was a lot of fun and some well needed time together.
After my visit in early December with the Oncologist, I was referred to Mercy Integrative Services at the Cancer & Breast Center to see if any of their options would be of help now that I was finished with chemo and radiation. I decided it would be worth a shot before going on the medication that was also recommended. After researching the medication, it kind of scared me with the side effects and withdrawl symptoms when discontinuing.
I met with Dr. Michelle Smith, DPC and after a thorough discussion on what had been going on since chemo, she said that physical therapy or acupuncture could be of some help. I had talked with several people who had had acupuncture with promising results so decided to try it. She would target the neuropathy, taste issues and pre-cancer back issues that seem to have redeveloped.
I have had four treatments. Needles were placed in my nail beds 10 in each foot and the right hand. They will stay away from left arm do to lymphedema issues. I also had them in my ankles and ears. There was a little discomfort as she stuck them in each nailbed but nothing that didn't subside right away. The neuropathy is still there although has lessoned. The last two treatments she has added putting on electric current between a couple of the needles. Back issues also seem better and I finally have taste again. Although losing 40 pounds due to chemo wasn't the ideal way to lose weight, I'm hoping to keep it (or most of it) off. I plan to have a couple more treatments hoping to have even more progress in this area.
I also had my follow-up bladder scope. No cancer or other issues. She will follow-up with me in six months, just to keep an eye on things.
I had a mammogram on the right side and met with my surgical oncologist. I was a little concerned as I thought I had felt a small lump but thought it could be scar tissue from the papiloma that they removed on that side when they did the mastectomy. I was right and the mammogram came back clear. So unless I notice something I won't follow-up with another until next December. Yay!!!!
To finish out the month I met with my radiation oncologist and everything is healing nicely as far as the skin is concerned and I don't have to see him for six months.
The appointment I was most excited about was seeing the dentist for a teeth cleaning. I wasn't able to do this at all during treatment due to the amount of bacteria in the month and concern of infection. It felt so good. I do have to make a return visit though, as chemo is also hard on the teeth and I have developed a cavity. Not as excited for that visit, but knew something was going on.
Dane & I headed to Joplin on the 23rd for Christmas. We were able to have some adult time with Adam and Ann as Brayden wasn't able to come to us until Christmas morning. It was a great relaxing visit with Church on Christmas Eve, a yummy Christmas dinner and, of course, gifts. It warmed up a bit and we even got outside for a walk.
Speaking of walking, I actually went a mile yesterday. I am seeing progress in energy level and starting to feel like my old self. I am ready to put cancer behind me and look forward to the next year. My wish for all is a happy, HEALTHY, new year. Again, I cannot thank you enough for your support during my journey. I would not wish cancer on anyone, I had no idea what people went through and it breaks my heart every time I hear of someone else that has it. It seems to be affecting a lot more people every day.
After my visit in early December with the Oncologist, I was referred to Mercy Integrative Services at the Cancer & Breast Center to see if any of their options would be of help now that I was finished with chemo and radiation. I decided it would be worth a shot before going on the medication that was also recommended. After researching the medication, it kind of scared me with the side effects and withdrawl symptoms when discontinuing.
I met with Dr. Michelle Smith, DPC and after a thorough discussion on what had been going on since chemo, she said that physical therapy or acupuncture could be of some help. I had talked with several people who had had acupuncture with promising results so decided to try it. She would target the neuropathy, taste issues and pre-cancer back issues that seem to have redeveloped.
I have had four treatments. Needles were placed in my nail beds 10 in each foot and the right hand. They will stay away from left arm do to lymphedema issues. I also had them in my ankles and ears. There was a little discomfort as she stuck them in each nailbed but nothing that didn't subside right away. The neuropathy is still there although has lessoned. The last two treatments she has added putting on electric current between a couple of the needles. Back issues also seem better and I finally have taste again. Although losing 40 pounds due to chemo wasn't the ideal way to lose weight, I'm hoping to keep it (or most of it) off. I plan to have a couple more treatments hoping to have even more progress in this area.
I also had my follow-up bladder scope. No cancer or other issues. She will follow-up with me in six months, just to keep an eye on things.
I had a mammogram on the right side and met with my surgical oncologist. I was a little concerned as I thought I had felt a small lump but thought it could be scar tissue from the papiloma that they removed on that side when they did the mastectomy. I was right and the mammogram came back clear. So unless I notice something I won't follow-up with another until next December. Yay!!!!
To finish out the month I met with my radiation oncologist and everything is healing nicely as far as the skin is concerned and I don't have to see him for six months.
The appointment I was most excited about was seeing the dentist for a teeth cleaning. I wasn't able to do this at all during treatment due to the amount of bacteria in the month and concern of infection. It felt so good. I do have to make a return visit though, as chemo is also hard on the teeth and I have developed a cavity. Not as excited for that visit, but knew something was going on.
Dane & I headed to Joplin on the 23rd for Christmas. We were able to have some adult time with Adam and Ann as Brayden wasn't able to come to us until Christmas morning. It was a great relaxing visit with Church on Christmas Eve, a yummy Christmas dinner and, of course, gifts. It warmed up a bit and we even got outside for a walk.
Speaking of walking, I actually went a mile yesterday. I am seeing progress in energy level and starting to feel like my old self. I am ready to put cancer behind me and look forward to the next year. My wish for all is a happy, HEALTHY, new year. Again, I cannot thank you enough for your support during my journey. I would not wish cancer on anyone, I had no idea what people went through and it breaks my heart every time I hear of someone else that has it. It seems to be affecting a lot more people every day.
- Family & Friends: the walls of my life behind which I could find shelter from the winds, and could lean upon when weary.
3-Month Follow-Up With Medical Oncologist
Thursday, December 5 - Today I had an appointment with my Medical Oncologist. Dane drove me in to the Breast & Cancer Center. Thankfully the weather was fine with only a little sleet here and there.
My weight was down another pound but all other vitals within normal range. Blood was drawn. I was mostly interested in my WBC to see if I could get my flu shot. Unfortunately, it was 2.7 with normal range being 4-9.8 so flu shot is again on hold.
We discussed my visits with the Urologist. Dr. Coplin was pretty confident that my issues were caused by the chemo that I had. Chemo can cause interstitial cystitis. This is an inflammation of the bladder walls. I am not having anymore symptoms but will have a repeat bladder scope on the 17th of this month just to check the bladder walls and see if the inflammation is still there. Stay tuned on this one.
I'm still having taste and appetite issues. I think I have been diligent in trying to eat and to eat healthy. I pretty much only drink water and have added V8 to my diet to supplement vegetable intake. Food just doesn't hold much appeal to me at all, so I have to continue to work at this. I have still been having some nausea problems, but had quit taken Prilosec. If this continues I am to go back on the medication to see if that helps.
We talked about the neuropathy and again she said that it will take time to leave. In the meantime she is putting me on a medication to see if it helps. I may also see a pain specialist to see if there are any options for help in this area. I try to get out and walk but can only go a little over 1/2 mile before my sciatica or back start to ache (as well as the feet).
Next on the list was whether or not I would be getting any scans to see if the cancer was gone. Dr. Coplin said that we would not be doing any. CT scans, bone scans and chest x-rays are not a standard part of follow-up. Getting these tests won't help a woman treated with breast cancer live longer. They will be done (as indicated) if I have symptoms or physical exam findings that suggest the cancer has recurred.
Next on the list is my follow-up with radiation oncologist this month and getting in a visit to the dentist. My skin is looking really good and getting back to normal.
Meanwhile, my hair continues to grow and I am feeling better as each day passes. As everyone keeps telling me, it will just take time. So I will hurry up and wait!!!!!
Until next time, thanks for reading and keep those prayers coming!
Better is the end of a thing than its beginning,
and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit. Ecclesiates 7:8
My weight was down another pound but all other vitals within normal range. Blood was drawn. I was mostly interested in my WBC to see if I could get my flu shot. Unfortunately, it was 2.7 with normal range being 4-9.8 so flu shot is again on hold.
We discussed my visits with the Urologist. Dr. Coplin was pretty confident that my issues were caused by the chemo that I had. Chemo can cause interstitial cystitis. This is an inflammation of the bladder walls. I am not having anymore symptoms but will have a repeat bladder scope on the 17th of this month just to check the bladder walls and see if the inflammation is still there. Stay tuned on this one.
I'm still having taste and appetite issues. I think I have been diligent in trying to eat and to eat healthy. I pretty much only drink water and have added V8 to my diet to supplement vegetable intake. Food just doesn't hold much appeal to me at all, so I have to continue to work at this. I have still been having some nausea problems, but had quit taken Prilosec. If this continues I am to go back on the medication to see if that helps.
We talked about the neuropathy and again she said that it will take time to leave. In the meantime she is putting me on a medication to see if it helps. I may also see a pain specialist to see if there are any options for help in this area. I try to get out and walk but can only go a little over 1/2 mile before my sciatica or back start to ache (as well as the feet).
Next on the list was whether or not I would be getting any scans to see if the cancer was gone. Dr. Coplin said that we would not be doing any. CT scans, bone scans and chest x-rays are not a standard part of follow-up. Getting these tests won't help a woman treated with breast cancer live longer. They will be done (as indicated) if I have symptoms or physical exam findings that suggest the cancer has recurred.
Next on the list is my follow-up with radiation oncologist this month and getting in a visit to the dentist. My skin is looking really good and getting back to normal.
Meanwhile, my hair continues to grow and I am feeling better as each day passes. As everyone keeps telling me, it will just take time. So I will hurry up and wait!!!!!
Until next time, thanks for reading and keep those prayers coming!
Better is the end of a thing than its beginning,
and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit. Ecclesiates 7:8
Radiation Over And Tid Bits
Saturday, November 16 - Since it's been almost a month since I posted, I have a lot of catching up to do. Sorry about that, but didn't feel up to it most of the time. Typing has been hard for me due to the neuropathy in my hands and feet.
I was told that I would not have to have my last 5 radiation treatments, so finished radiation on Friday, November 8. It was a happy day, but surreal. I couldn't believe I was finally done. I ended up having 28 total instead of the original 33. I will follow-up with the radiation oncologist in December to get my skin checked again. I am pretty sore, but keeping it covered with Aquaphor and some Gold Bond Healing Lotion. I am starting to peel in the armpit and the other areas are getting browner. I was told to expect this for the next 4 - 6 weeks.
I also went and got fitted for an arm sleeve since I have minimal lymphedema. They had to order it, so gave me a back up generic one to wear in the meantime. It does make my arm feel better. I only wear it during the day and expect to pick up my custom one on Thursday.
I have lost about 35 pounds since this journey began. I still don't have much of a taste or appetite, but expect this to improve as time goes on. I have a hard time standing for long periods, but have been trying to walk as much as I can. The neuropathy seems to be ok when I wake up and gets worse as the day goes on. The past couple of weeks it has been very painful in the evenings feeling like someone is jabbing me with needles. I'm still praying this gets better and doesn't become permanent.
I still tire out very easily, but this is starting to improve. I had my port removed yesterday (Friday, November 15). It was one more thing to cross off my list. Yay!!!!
A few days before my cystoscopy (bladder scope) I started to get another UTI. She went ahead with the scope, gave me antibiotics to treat infection and sent it off for a culture. She didn't think I had cancer but bladder was very inflamed and wants to repeat next month when my infection clears up. If it still is infected and inflamed, she will biopsy. Previous blood work and ct scan ruled out kidney stones.
So the rest of the year will be spent going to my follow-up doctor appointments, and continuing to heal. I don't know right now if any scans will be done. I know they do watch the blood every 3 months to make sure the cancer antigen stays at a good level. So stay tuned on that.. I see my medical oncologist on December 5.
Oh yeah - my hair is coming back in lots of peach fuzz!!!! AND I have eyebrows and very short eyelashes!
So again, I thank you all for the prayers, good thoughts, cards, meals, phone calls and visits - not to mention all the rides to my appointments. Thank you doesn't quite put into words the gratefulness I feel.
I was told that I would not have to have my last 5 radiation treatments, so finished radiation on Friday, November 8. It was a happy day, but surreal. I couldn't believe I was finally done. I ended up having 28 total instead of the original 33. I will follow-up with the radiation oncologist in December to get my skin checked again. I am pretty sore, but keeping it covered with Aquaphor and some Gold Bond Healing Lotion. I am starting to peel in the armpit and the other areas are getting browner. I was told to expect this for the next 4 - 6 weeks.
I also went and got fitted for an arm sleeve since I have minimal lymphedema. They had to order it, so gave me a back up generic one to wear in the meantime. It does make my arm feel better. I only wear it during the day and expect to pick up my custom one on Thursday.
I have lost about 35 pounds since this journey began. I still don't have much of a taste or appetite, but expect this to improve as time goes on. I have a hard time standing for long periods, but have been trying to walk as much as I can. The neuropathy seems to be ok when I wake up and gets worse as the day goes on. The past couple of weeks it has been very painful in the evenings feeling like someone is jabbing me with needles. I'm still praying this gets better and doesn't become permanent.
I still tire out very easily, but this is starting to improve. I had my port removed yesterday (Friday, November 15). It was one more thing to cross off my list. Yay!!!!
A few days before my cystoscopy (bladder scope) I started to get another UTI. She went ahead with the scope, gave me antibiotics to treat infection and sent it off for a culture. She didn't think I had cancer but bladder was very inflamed and wants to repeat next month when my infection clears up. If it still is infected and inflamed, she will biopsy. Previous blood work and ct scan ruled out kidney stones.
So the rest of the year will be spent going to my follow-up doctor appointments, and continuing to heal. I don't know right now if any scans will be done. I know they do watch the blood every 3 months to make sure the cancer antigen stays at a good level. So stay tuned on that.. I see my medical oncologist on December 5.
Oh yeah - my hair is coming back in lots of peach fuzz!!!! AND I have eyebrows and very short eyelashes!
So again, I thank you all for the prayers, good thoughts, cards, meals, phone calls and visits - not to mention all the rides to my appointments. Thank you doesn't quite put into words the gratefulness I feel.
14 Down 20 To Go
Friday, October 18, 2013 - Thought I'd post an update on the past week. I met with my radiation oncologist on Tuesday and my skin looks good. I'm noticing a little burning under my back shoulder. The creams and lotions seems to keep it at bay. He did measure my left arm and is referring me back to the Physical Therapist Lymphedema Specialist as he thinks I may be developing some in the upper left arm. I couldn't get an appointment until next Friday, October 25.
Also on Tuesday I met with the Urologist Dr. Elizabeth Williams. She ordered a CT scan and x-rays which I had this morning as well as some blood work to check my kidneys & bladder. On November 12 I will be having a cystoscopy in her office. These tests will rule out kidney stones and bladder cancer. Dr. Williams seemed confident it would not be cancer, but since I was on Cytoxin for one of my chemo drugs, this can be a factor. With my history, she doesn't want to take any chances. I am no longer having blood while urinating or having the pain and burning. The urine sample came back negative, but so did the last two I had when I was having the blood.
I was early for all my radiation trips this week and was in and out. Takes me longer to undress and redress than to get the radiation.
My frame of mind has been a lot better this week. I am also noticing a little more fatigue, so I usually nap for a while when getting home. Thanks to all that have driven me over in Dane's absence. You'll never know how much you are appreciated.
So I'm hanging in there - keep those prayers coming!
Also on Tuesday I met with the Urologist Dr. Elizabeth Williams. She ordered a CT scan and x-rays which I had this morning as well as some blood work to check my kidneys & bladder. On November 12 I will be having a cystoscopy in her office. These tests will rule out kidney stones and bladder cancer. Dr. Williams seemed confident it would not be cancer, but since I was on Cytoxin for one of my chemo drugs, this can be a factor. With my history, she doesn't want to take any chances. I am no longer having blood while urinating or having the pain and burning. The urine sample came back negative, but so did the last two I had when I was having the blood.
I was early for all my radiation trips this week and was in and out. Takes me longer to undress and redress than to get the radiation.
My frame of mind has been a lot better this week. I am also noticing a little more fatigue, so I usually nap for a while when getting home. Thanks to all that have driven me over in Dane's absence. You'll never know how much you are appreciated.
So I'm hanging in there - keep those prayers coming!
Radiation Update
Thursday, October 10 - I started radiation on October 1. As stated, Dane was able to get me there that whole week. I'm still not driving due to the neuropathy that is still present in my hands and feet. It seems to get worse at night. I still have a lot of fatigue from the chemo. I was told the effects of the radiation would take a couple of weeks.
I met with Dr. Frazier, my radiation oncologist on Tuesday after my 5th treatment. He looked over my skin to make sure everything was in order and it was. I will see him every 5th treatment. Today is the first day that I have felt some burning like I have a sunburn under my left arm. I am using Aquaphor to help with that along with some moisturizing lotion as my skin is really, really dry.
I met with Dr. Frazier, my radiation oncologist on Tuesday after my 5th treatment. He looked over my skin to make sure everything was in order and it was. I will see him every 5th treatment. Today is the first day that I have felt some burning like I have a sunburn under my left arm. I am using Aquaphor to help with that along with some moisturizing lotion as my skin is really, really dry.
An x-ray, also known as a "port film," was taken by the radiation therapist on the first day of treatment and every 5th treatment. Port films verify that you are being positioned accurately during your treatments.
Port films do not provide diagnostic information, so radiation therapists cannot learn about your progress from these films. However, port films are important to help the therapists maintain precision in your treatment.
Dane & I went to Webb City (where Adam & Ann live now) the last weekend in September as I haven't seen Brayden since the wedding. It was a much needed visit for me and boosted my spirits. It rained all day Saturday, but Sunday was beautiful so a lot of the day was spent outside. We came home on Monday and I started radiation on Tuesday.
So I have 26 treatments left and moving right along. Thanks to those who have driven me over. Please continue to pray that this neuropathy leaves and things get back to normal. I am having more good times during the day so that is promising.
Psalm 46:1 “God is our refuge and strength , an ever-present help in trouble”
Radiation Scheduled
Thursday, September 26 - I know I haven't been updating this blog very good. There really isn't a lot to report. I'm still trying to recover from the infections and the Taxol I received on Sept. 4. I have had a few days where I was feeling pretty good for a few hours, but for the most part, nothing has changed.
Dane did take me to Washington for my CT scan and mold to get ready for radiation. I was marked with pen size tatoos to line up the beams. I will go in Oct 1st after mold is made and all the mapping is done to figure out where the radiation beams should be in accordance with my anatomy. I will have the chest area where the mastectomy was performed and also the armpit where the lymph nodes were removed. I will have 34 sessions every day except weekends. My last day should be Nov. 15 if all goes accordingly.
Although radiation does have several side effects the most common are the fatigue (cumulative) and possible burning of areas being treated. I will be given lotions to help me out with this.
Since I'm still not driving due to my numb feet and weak legs, I will be calling on a few of you to help me get there if I don't see any improvement in my legs in the near future. Dane will be taking time off the week I start for sure so that one is covered.
Again I ask for prayers of strength and patience while I finish up this last leg of treatment. Trying to stay strong!
Dane did take me to Washington for my CT scan and mold to get ready for radiation. I was marked with pen size tatoos to line up the beams. I will go in Oct 1st after mold is made and all the mapping is done to figure out where the radiation beams should be in accordance with my anatomy. I will have the chest area where the mastectomy was performed and also the armpit where the lymph nodes were removed. I will have 34 sessions every day except weekends. My last day should be Nov. 15 if all goes accordingly.
Although radiation does have several side effects the most common are the fatigue (cumulative) and possible burning of areas being treated. I will be given lotions to help me out with this.
Since I'm still not driving due to my numb feet and weak legs, I will be calling on a few of you to help me get there if I don't see any improvement in my legs in the near future. Dane will be taking time off the week I start for sure so that one is covered.
Again I ask for prayers of strength and patience while I finish up this last leg of treatment. Trying to stay strong!
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