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.
Happy New Year to you and all of your family, Joanne. It is great to continue to hear positive news. I know progress is slow, but it will get better and better. In my case, I think it was fully 5 years after surgery and radiation, before I felt I was back to my old self; you seem to be beating that time-table!
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