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
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