Updates from last post.........and what have I learned?
I was apprehensive about the radiation. One would think with all this chemo that hopefully all dividing and cancerous cells are dead or on their way out. But apparently there may still be some strays in the breast. Without radiation there is a 60% chance of return...substantially less with the radiation..less than 10%. The radiologist is a nice young man(about 40). He has ordered another mammogram so there is a baseline, and they can see what things look like in "there" after the surgery. I also got to meet him with my clothes on. That should be a rule for all doctors! He gave me a breast exam which scared me. Four months after surgery does he expect to find new lumps? But you aren't quite as chatty when strangers are examining you with half your clothes removed.
Radiation generally goes for 5-7 weeks. When I told him I was a teacher and didn't want to be missing work the first week of school he was very accommodating and scheduled my "fitting" for mid-August. When I asked if he had kids, he said he had two ages 3 and 10. "What great ages!" I said. He replied, "Those damn doctors don't know what they're doing. We were only supposed to have one!" So he has a sense of humor which is an added bonus.
The results of this last chemo have stayed with me longer. I am more tired than I had been with the others and am still having trouble eating fresh fruit and vegetables. Yes, I continue to still eat more frequently and larger amounts. While I absolutely hate all the side effects (weight gain, hairlessness, feeling like crapola...my sister Connie reminded me that chemo is my friend. Something I had forgotten....and something for which I will always be thankful. My spirits are great - and that is important to my ever kind care giver who doesn't let me out of his sight. Paul has experienced sympathy eating with me and has also added a little poundage. Isn't that nice of him? A loving husband down to the core!
You are my wings and continue to lift me with your positive thoughts and messages of goodness.
Make Pink Tough and Continue to Expect Great Things
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Round 3 Ding Ding Ding
Like a boxing match Round 3 has been completed and I am still standing! While I would like to say joyful things like it was painless because we all have made Pink Tough, I would be fibbing. On Thursday I was so sick I thought death might be preferable. I am wobbly and our walking has shortened to going to the mailbox until I can rebuild my stamina. This infuriates Tucker!
Twenty pounds in forty days. That is what I have gained. The doctor attributes ten pounds from not smoking and ten pounds from the steroids. When I asked her if it would drop off when I finished the steroids she smiled and said I 'd have to work like a dog to get it off. Woof!
I learned that I will start radiation after Round 4 of chemo. Apparently the side effects from the following year of chemo aren't so bad, therefore I can start radiation. While this is good news as it means I won't be spending all next summer at the radiologist, it means that September and October are going to be difficult for me at work...and no I'm not going to sit on my newly enlarged buns at home so don't even ask!
Love this weather although it makes wig wearing extremely UNCOMFORTABLE. My sunglasses that I had on top of my head actually had condensation appear on them from the steam rising off my scalp! I have a full 3/16ths of hair on my head...where there is hair. It is fairly sparse. I still have some eyelashes and some eyebrows. While doing my hair takes less time-make up takes much longer! And for all of you that thought I wouldn't have to shave my legs- WRONG! There are still some poking up there too!
In honor of Walter Cronkite (for those of us old enough to know of him). That's the way it is. EXPECT GREAT THINGS!
Twenty pounds in forty days. That is what I have gained. The doctor attributes ten pounds from not smoking and ten pounds from the steroids. When I asked her if it would drop off when I finished the steroids she smiled and said I 'd have to work like a dog to get it off. Woof!
I learned that I will start radiation after Round 4 of chemo. Apparently the side effects from the following year of chemo aren't so bad, therefore I can start radiation. While this is good news as it means I won't be spending all next summer at the radiologist, it means that September and October are going to be difficult for me at work...and no I'm not going to sit on my newly enlarged buns at home so don't even ask!
Love this weather although it makes wig wearing extremely UNCOMFORTABLE. My sunglasses that I had on top of my head actually had condensation appear on them from the steam rising off my scalp! I have a full 3/16ths of hair on my head...where there is hair. It is fairly sparse. I still have some eyelashes and some eyebrows. While doing my hair takes less time-make up takes much longer! And for all of you that thought I wouldn't have to shave my legs- WRONG! There are still some poking up there too!
In honor of Walter Cronkite (for those of us old enough to know of him). That's the way it is. EXPECT GREAT THINGS!
Monday, July 13, 2009
Expect Great Things
Psychologically and physically I prepare for tomorrow's assault on cancer. I am telling myself it will be easier, and this time I will flood my body with water hoping to ease the side effects. I have started back on the steroids today in preparation. I will remember to remove my rings so I don't freak out when I swell up so much I can't get them off! It gives new meaning to "This little piggy went to......" All my fingers have turned into cute, plump little piggies!
For the last three days Paul, Tucker and I have walked our four miles. It feels so good. They (medical geniuses) really have this chemo timing down. Once I feel normal it's time to go back for more.
Shopping again brought me into contact with a stranger. You all know I like to yak! When I told her I had breast cancer she was shocked. "You look so good," she said. As she left she said "I hope everything will be okay."I replied, "Of course it will be. I expect nothing but great things." She smiled and said, "Yes, I can see that."
That story of course brings me to YOU. I can not express how the constant cards and messages of support lift my spirits. I honestly feel that I am not fighting this alone, and I do expect great things. I will settle for nothing less. You are all with me more than 100%. How does one express what that means? I thank god every day for each and every one of you. You will be with me tomorrow.
For the last three days Paul, Tucker and I have walked our four miles. It feels so good. They (medical geniuses) really have this chemo timing down. Once I feel normal it's time to go back for more.
Shopping again brought me into contact with a stranger. You all know I like to yak! When I told her I had breast cancer she was shocked. "You look so good," she said. As she left she said "I hope everything will be okay."I replied, "Of course it will be. I expect nothing but great things." She smiled and said, "Yes, I can see that."
That story of course brings me to YOU. I can not express how the constant cards and messages of support lift my spirits. I honestly feel that I am not fighting this alone, and I do expect great things. I will settle for nothing less. You are all with me more than 100%. How does one express what that means? I thank god every day for each and every one of you. You will be with me tomorrow.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Life is Good
Happy days! Am feeling great. My sense of humor has returned, and I've cooked some tasty dinners for Paul the last couple of nights. It's nice to get back into the kitchen for cooking instead of just eating. I continue to pack on the pounds, however. If my stomach is empty I feel sick. If it's full I feel fine. Therefore I keep it loaded. We also haven't been doing our walking as my energy level is low. Really weight gain should be a small issue at this point, but you know........
Both pets love my bald head..they try to lick it at night (or wait-could that be Paul?)! I ventured out of the house bald yesterday to bring in our trash cans. This was my first trip outside of the house without a covering. A friend was just entering the driveway, thought I looked pretty good and asked to feel my fuzzy head!
Have heard from some of you that you are worried about my picture with Brian giving me my mohawk. No that is not a cigarette! It is my straw that I pretend to smoke during happy hour or stressful times! Still smoke free and loving it! Don't doubt the strength of someone who fights like a girl!
Heard from Margot today. She was in Dublin walking in gardens. Thought she'd phone me next from Monet's Garden. She's had someone mailing cards for her locally as Paul or I receive one every single day. Sure must have taken her a long time to prep those!
Next chemo session is Tuesday, July 14th.
Expect Great Things!
Both pets love my bald head..they try to lick it at night (or wait-could that be Paul?)! I ventured out of the house bald yesterday to bring in our trash cans. This was my first trip outside of the house without a covering. A friend was just entering the driveway, thought I looked pretty good and asked to feel my fuzzy head!
Have heard from some of you that you are worried about my picture with Brian giving me my mohawk. No that is not a cigarette! It is my straw that I pretend to smoke during happy hour or stressful times! Still smoke free and loving it! Don't doubt the strength of someone who fights like a girl!
Heard from Margot today. She was in Dublin walking in gardens. Thought she'd phone me next from Monet's Garden. She's had someone mailing cards for her locally as Paul or I receive one every single day. Sure must have taken her a long time to prep those!
Next chemo session is Tuesday, July 14th.
Expect Great Things!
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