Final Post

After 108 blog posts and over 200 medical appointments, I happily, respectfully, thankfully, and prayfully write the final post of this chapter in our lives.

It has been almost four week s of “return to work” life and strength training.  And I am happy to report that things are going well.  Those first two weeks were tougher than I ever imagined!  Actually tougher to the point where I thought I wasn’t ready to return.  Tough you may ask? How so?  Well, I actually swelled up across the chest to the point where it was too sore to wear prosthetics and absolutely too sore for physical therapy on the left side of my body.  With creative dressing, laser therapy and acupuncture the swelling subsided and I am starting to feel more normal.  It will be interesting to see how the ol’ body adapts to increased work hours next week.  I will be working every day for four hours for the next two weeks. I still look forward to weekends and tend to sleep a little more now but time will help readjust to the pace of life.

Bobby, Alycia, Mikayla and Robbie still have mixed emotions regarding my return to work….however; it is because I think they were spoiled with hot breakfast, lunch and dinner, baking and laundry on a daily basis. With that said, it was/is time to reclaim some of my former life. Poor Zoe….she seems a little lost when I come home from work.  So far walks and snowshoeing are a priority for us both.

This past year and a bit has given me the opportunity to rethink life, love and happiness…..I am thankful for the awesome opportunity. As this is my final post to “we can with love” I thought I would share my final thoughts and promises:

I promise to be kinder, more patient, and more attentive to myself and to my family.  I promise not to get caught up in work life to the point where it takes over my home and family life.I promise to be thankful for every day….with and without snow and -40 wind chills.I promise to be a good friend, colleague, mother, wife, sister and daughter.

Please continue to pray or send good vibes and positive energy,  to all who are battling cancer  or other diseases and for a cure.

Thank you again for being a part of our crazy journey!

Much love, Shelley, Bob, Alycia, Mikayla, Robbie & Zoe

P.S. I found an App that will convert this blog to a book that I will cherish each and every comment/post and all posts in its entirety.  It will be on our end table when you come to visit! xo

Prayers & (a few) Swears

It has been a busy past few weeks with tests, assessments, physio, exercise.... and, tomorrow marks the beginning of a return to work plan! Waahoo!  I am actually excited about this! The plan involves three four-hour shifts a week for four weeks.  This will allow me to adjust to the new activity and better manage the expected swelling and discomfort of doing things different.  Along side these work shifts, I will continue with physio therapy and strength training.  It will be busy!

My oncologist appointment last blog post was uneventful really.  I am to continue the course of Tamoxifen and Fragmin every day for the next two years.  At which time I will be switched to Letrozole and Warfin/Pradac. Everything else is fine and I will be monitored every four months for the next bit.

Today I will organize my thoughts on things I am thankful for and things that well, just irked me a bit ;)

Prayers....I am truly thankful for....

• Return to work plan
• Uneventful oncology appointment
• Physio therapy with Tracy, Allissa and Karen
• Strength training with Jenna
• Energy to get through the day without the burning desire to have a nap (hmmmm, I may have spoken to soon on this one!)

Swears....(just a few)

• Eyelashes...my lovely long eyelashes all fell out!  There is a bit of growth once again....it could be worse. 
• Eyebrows....they are itchy but I am scared to scratch them in case they follow my eyelashes to the floor
• Clothes....it has been over a year since I wore a suit and heels to work.  Finding things to look and feel good in is a challenge
• Snow....weather is brutal outside!  We are to expect 20cm of snow tonight!  Hahaha! It might be a snow day on my first day back......(like that would ever happen in Saskatchewan!!)

More Prayers.....I am thankful that eyelashes, eyebrows, clothes and snow do not define who I am or limit me in any way. These are little set backs in the grand scheme of things.

Cheers to reclaiming a bit more of my former life with renewed "joi de vie"!

Love, Shelley

P.S.
The Pink Earth Angels are hosting a pancake/brunch breakfast at The Copper Kettle this coming Sunday from 9:00 AM - Noon.  Tickets are at the doors for $15. 
100% of proceeds go to support women and men dealing with breast cancer.  Hope to see you there!

One year later.....

Wow! Can you believe one year since first surgery is on the horizon?  We remember Dr. Meyers informing us that the recovery from my surgeries and pending treatments would be 8 months to a year.  Both Bob and I thought 8 months sounded reasonable....why wouldn't we? I had no prior medical problems, was fairly healthy....things looked like they were stacked in my favor for a great recovery!  Hahahaha!! How naive we were!

These past few weeks have been sort of a turning point for me.  I finally feel like doing things versus "making myself do" things.  And it truly feels great! With this renewed level of energy of course comes the "return to work" plan.  So it's official, I will resume work with the Ministry of Education on March 4th.  It will be a gradual return to work plan with the hopes of full time status by May.  This is to give my body (and mind) the opportunity to adjust to work life and find the new normal required to adjust.  I am to expected fatigue, swelling, yaddayadda throughout this adjustment period.  It will be important to recognize limitations and pull back when necessary.  Hmmm, this is easier said than done I think! Part of my work plan is to start strength training so that I can "buff" the ol' arms up.....right now they are wet noodles.....hoping to get to "al dente" then the "gun show" ....hahahaha!

I will be posting one final blog after my February 21st oncology follow up..... Happy Family Day!

Love, Shelley xoxo

Wet Noodles & Fuzz Cuts

It's been a while since my last blog.....

Physio is still going strong at two sessions per week.  We are now in a position to start strength training to try to regain some of the muscle and strength I had.....I am currently operating with two arms that at times feel like wet noodles.  Cutting semi-thawed meats is a challenge at best....one pound weights are as much as I can lift over head...it just takes a little more time and effort.  I can do it though....with love and a lot of patience!  My scar tissue is beginning to move which is also good news.  This will get me in shape for reconstruction ...in about a year's time.

I had my second "fuzz" cut since chemo ended in October.  Jenn actually used a comb on my hair this time!  Lol!  It's still very short and rather grey but is becoming more "salt & pepper" as the days go on. Six months is the recommended wait time for colour....should be interesting!

JAN 2013

As for return to work, I am really hoping that these next 3 weeks give me enough strength to return in March on a gradual basis.  If all goes well I will be back to full time in no time!  It's exciting to think that I can reclaim some of my former life!

My energy level is slowly rising....I can now "make" it through a movie without sleeping!  The kids are impressed! Walking feels like it should....a great work out without a nap.

I will have my first oncology follow up appointment on the 21st and really don't anticipate a whole lot.  The pathology report from the hysterectomy was normal. Tamoxifen and Crestor are keeping me warm at night. (Had a near naked run through the snowy streets the other night....good thing the high winds kept me inside!) So really at the end of the day I must focus on healthy living - eating and exercise, mindfulness and on matters near to my heart....my family and friends like each of you.

With love, Shelley

January Update

This month has been a bit frustrating at times.  Not only are the cold, cloudy days a bit nerving but my progress on the medical front (or lack there of) is slower than I would like it to be. Actually it isn't all doom and gloom as I really am progressing well... just really really slow.

There are more days of feeling well than not.  That is a good thing.  However, after 2 or 3 "good" days, I am exhausted! And that is without doing a whole lot of extra!  When I am tired, I swell.....yup, good ol' lymphedema rears its head ever so slightly and I sleep.  This past weekend, after grocery shopping, I had a crazy allergic reaction (at least I think that is what it was).....Initially I thought I was having a mega hot flash.  Then I started to dry heave....itch, break out in hives, vomit,....not a pretty picture by any means.  After taking a Reactine and within half hour, the itch and swelling subsided and all returned to normal.  Today at physio, I was more swollen than usual which was attributed to the "allergic reaction".  To top that off, I am still struggling with my impinging dominant shoulder....this has been a challenge since my last surgery.  Not sure if I over did it compensating for all the aches and pains or if I was dropped during surgery LOL! Thank goodness the physio therapists, Alysia and Tracey are fantastic at what they do!  My twice a week sessions are keeping everything at bay.

OK enough "whoa is me".....I am still doing really well!  Bob and I had a great visit with our good friends the Hamms, the Wells, the McCrimmons, the Munns, the Shannons......so good to laugh with great friends! Karen and Rich were down to see us too on the weekend.....aaahhhh! Loved it!

On the 21st Bobby turned 50! So we had a bit of celebrating to do.....very low key mind you but fun. He's been busy traveling North America and ventures off to Europe in February.

Happy 50th Bob!

A young Bob...
thanks Reid for the photo!

And today....it actually warmed up to -17! Waaahooo! Zoe and I were back outside on the snowy trail enjoying the great outdoors.    These past three days of -41 kept us inside.

Onward and upward! .... Slow and steady wins the race! ....Eat, pray,walk! ...  Life is good!

Shelley xo

It's a Long and Winding Road!

This road to recovery is still under construction.

This past week I have caught a bit of a throat and chest infection and it is knocking the stuffing out of me!  I am still walking and going about my business but it seems to take me twice as long to get things done. As the doctor put it yesterday....my body is still battling the effects of chemotherapy, lymphodemia, and now a chest cold all while trying to build healthy cells.  So I am on some antibiotics to help my system  out of this construction zone.

Physio is going well although I have swelled up again on down my right side.  I think this is because of this cold....yeah, I self-diagnosis.... there is a special pump consisting of a jacket with air pressure holes in the vest and down the arms that applies a consistent pressure to help move the lymphatic fluid pooling in the arms/torso that I will be trying out later this week.  Hopefully that will help promote some good healing.

With the holiday season over, kids back at school and Bob on the road, these days are getting a bit long!  I am looking forward to returning to work if and when the doctor clears me!

It's time to get those happy endorphins flowing...so I will bundle up and head outside with Zoe for a morning walk! Hopefully the winds are down from yesterday!

Over all, I am doing well although it's crazy to think this whole process started a year ago (last January). It's been a long and winding road to recovery. Thank you for being with me on this journey.

~ Shelley xo

A Year in Review

2012.....What a crazy busy year!

January - Cancer confirmed
February - Bilateral Mastectomy & DIEP Reconstruction
March - Blood clots, flap removal & Axillary Node Dissection
April - Ottawa Playoff Games (waahoo!); Start chemotherapy
May - Lose hair; Alter-egos Jenny and J-Lo make public appearances
June - Finish 4 rounds of AC; Mikayla writes and performs a beautiful song for her music final
July - Fishing at Emma Lake; Great family visits; Rider games; Begin 12 weekly rounds of Taxol
August - Visit with family and friends; Bob returns to work
September - School start up...finding a new normal
October - Finish chemotherapy; start Tamoxifen; Lose eye brows and eye lashes
November- Welcome back eye brows and eye lashes and a tuff of hair
December - Hysterectomy;  Retire alter-egos Jenny & J-Lo; Celebrate Christmas in a Prince Albert; Recover, find a new normal...Life is good!

2013.....we are more than ready for a New Year!  Happy New Year to all!

Love, Bob, Shelley, Alycia, Mikayla, Robbie & Zoe

Christmas 2012

Christmas Update

Merry Christmas!

Wow!  December 25th is sure coming up faster than what seems normal!  We are looking forward to spending time with our families and friends!

Just a quick update on the medical front....it will be 3 weeks post surgery on the 25th.....unfortunately I am still a bit sore and tender and disappointed that this recovery isn't going faster.  Today at physio, it was determined that I need a bit of a physio break to let me recover.  Under normal circumstances, the total hysterectomy done laproscopically is a speedier recovery.  However, due to an already compromised stomach (DIEP surgery in February) things are taking a bit longer to heal.  Hopefully a 2 week break will jump start the New Year healing process.  I promised to take it easy too.  This however, is easier said than done!

From our house to yours, we wish wish you health, happiness and peace the wondrous Christmas season and many blessings in 2013!

Bob, Shelley, Alycia, Mikayla, Robbie & Zoe

Recovery Update

It's been two weeks since surgery.....and the 2nd week of recovery is much better than the first week.  I am a better patient with patience too ;-)  I am moving better, able to sit better and the "heat" I am experiencing as part of post-menopause, although warm, isn't making me run naked through the streets.....at least not yet. My physio treatments are limited to my chest and back until my stomach has a chance to recover a bit more.  Unfortunately some the swelling in my arm is back but the physio gals assure me this is normal and will bounce back once they are able to pick up the pace.

My goals this week:

• walk on the treadmill.... even with no incline and minimal speed I hope to feel better as it has been two weeks....my poor dog is so confused and desperately misses her daily walks
• get a hair cut :-D .....OK, not a "real" haircut" but a trim
• get a manicure and pedicure.....my nails are growing back and not splitting like they were during and immediately after chemo
• celebrate life....and enjoy the simple pleasures of the holiday season with family and friends

Please keep my survivor blog friends and their families in your prayers as their journeys are beginning and mid-stream.....each document remarkable stories of courage and faith.

• Donna, keep up the great work! You're almost done! xoxox - The Love Loop 
• Glen, your journey has been incredible! Now it's recovery time! Waahoo! - It's a Mental Game
• Chantal, you can do it!  - I'd rather b shopping
• Aunt Louise and Auntie Ann...xoxoxo
• all others who are about to embark on this incredible journey or other challenges...keep the faith!
• And of course, the families and friends of Sandy Hook Elementary School, Newton, Connecticut...this tragedy is unbelievable....incomprehensible. May this town find peace and strength again.

Special thanks to the Ministry of Education folks at RCC....it was so great to see you all and have Christmas lunch!

Eat, pray, walk.....Shelley xoxo

Simple Joy

What  a week of recovery it has been!  I think I have gone through the whole gamut of emotions....

• happy.... that this is over;
• darn right angry..... that I feel so sore and tired (been there done that sort of thing),
• grouchy....just because 
• glad....to be home and not in a hospital

Again my nurse-maid and soul-mate, Bob, took wonderful care of me as he was back on needle duty for a few days while I found my bearings.  He also experienced the joy of helping with compressions sleeves and socks......wish I could have video taped that! Hahaha! And he was back on cleaning duties full-time cracking the whip with the kids! I am not sure if you watch Duck Dynasty or Not.....but here are a couple of pictures that Uncle Si would be proud of....I think! :-D  Karilyn and Earl just don't know what to think of this....it's been a long long year!

 

Bob's Maid Service Dec 2012

Bob wearing "Jenny"...
no further comment

As always, I try to look for the positives in this journey.  This week I had to dig really deep into the well of life's simple pleasures to acknowledge the following:

• Eye brows....man oh man, how I missed you! The Cookie Monster has nothing on me this Christmas season as I am finding it difficult to pluck them
• Eye Lashes....I missed you too! And they came back full and long!  I can use an eye lash curler for real!! 
• Chin Hair....I was actually happy to see you too!  And had no problem pulling you out!!
• Home...."there is no place like home" I love my home. I love my family.
• Hair....Bob calls me Silver Fox....more on that in another post

May God bless and keep each of you safe and healthy this holiday season and always! Enjoy the simple joys of the holiday season! Shelley xoxox

Road to Recovery

Yesterday's surgery went as scheduled and planned for the most part.  Dr. Aspe Lacero performed a laproscopic total hysterectomy and Dr. Kyle Korman worked his magic with anesthetics.  Discharge took a little longer than planned due to the spinal and general anesthetic I received so I was quite frozen. However, once thawed, I passed the tests of standing, walking, voiding, etc. So with pain medication in hand we were sent home shortly after 11:00 PM. We were the last ones on the day surgery floor to leave.

Once home the kids all greeted me which was so nice....but then I had to tell them to get to bed being a school night and all! And I was so hungry too.....jello tasted like a piece of heaven after two days of liquids.  Although sleep came easy, I was up at 4:00 AM and 7:00 AM to take some pain meds. Today I mostly slept and I am sore of course.  It's nice to be home to recover.

The road to recovery is double-lane and paved this time around...for that I am thankful.

Lots of Love, Shelley xoxo

Third Time's a Charm!

Tomorrow is my third surgery in 2012. 
I am ready.
I am thankful it's only 3 hours (or less).
I look forward to supper tomorrow as I sip on broth :)
Here's to tomorrow!
Please say an extra prayer or two around 1:00 PM...thanks!

~ Shelley xo

Panic Mode of Sorts

Well, here I sit blogging/procrastinating/ignoring the fact that I have 1 week to get ready for Christmas before surgery.....AAARRRGGHHH!! And I can't seem to get motivated!  On a subconscious level, I am hoping that this is a walk in the park and I will rush about with all the last minute shoppers on the 24th! .....if I had a $ for every "oh, it's laproscopic! You'll be up and running in days" I would hire someone to bake, decorate, etc. (Not really....just a bit of sarcasm.) However, my doctor told me to expect a 6-8 week recovery period because of recent surgeries and complications.  Anything sooner will be a bonus. .....panic mode really hasn't set in.....yet!  I am just thinking about it - hahahah!

I need to get exercising to  get those happy holiday endorphins flowing and to church for patience and more patience.

Eat, pray, walk! Shelley xo

2012 ending soon

Today I got the call for my upcoming surgery!  Waahoo!  Can't wait to get this done... 2012 started with cancer surgery and is ending with cancer prevention surgery...what a year!

2013 can only get better from here....I am looking forward to the new normal...one without doctor appointments, surgeries, and all that comes with that stuff!

Eat, pray, walk! Shelley xoxo

One more surgery....then "home free"

One day at a time.....I am starting to get this...one more surgery....

In order for me to continue hormone therapy to further reduce recurrence, I must be post menopausal.  The only way to guarantee post menopause is "one more surgery".....thank goodness it will be laprascopic. Although I was hoping this would occur in 1-2  year's time, it is recommended that this happen as soon as possible.  So I am to expect a call from the General Hospital in the near future to book for Dec/Jan. Yikes!  Just when I was hoping to start focusing on returning to work....This surgery is to allow for alternative hormone therapy due to my clotting issues.

Although the physio sessions have been really positive and scar tissue movement and arm swelling have really improved, my greatest frustration continues to be lack of energy!  For example, a good day consists of exercising, vacuuming/floors, laundry and supper with no napping OR exercising and grocery shopping.  Grocery shopping almost does me in for the day...this is crazy! I am soooo not used to this pace! After one or two of these days in a row, it's like I take a step backwards and struggle to complete one task in a day and I need to sleep...there is no gas left in the tank....not even fumes. Hahaha!  I can't believe I call a "good day" one that includes house work!! Times have most definitely changed! Similarly,  Patience is a virtue  - one that I continue to learn and pray for on a daily basis. On a positive note, the Reiki healings from my brother Trent have been awesome and energy levels are remarkably higher! I am now able to self-reiki on a "good" day and it feels GREAT!

Well, I hope to be "home free" after this next surgery.....well, almost home free.....reconstruction is still a ways away and I welcome that surgery with open arms!

 :-)

Love to all, Shelley

4 Weeks Post Chemo

Wow!  Where did the month go?? I have been busy but I really haven't accomplished a whole heck of a lot!

Every week there are two physio appointments....that and daily walks with a nap and the daily exercises for mobility, hand therapy and lymphedema pretty much take care of the day.....The odd load of laundry, vacuum and dusting are mixed in there too.

This past week there was more frustration than anything.....I need to find some more patience.  Initially my thought was "survive chemo - the rest is easy".  However, after 4 weeks of no chemo, I still struggle with energy, no eyebrows and no eye lashes.  Yup! They all fell off!! And I lost a couple of toe nails to boot!! These are all side effects of chemo and mentally I was prepared for this DURING treatment.....it has been a bit of a blow to have this happen one month AFTER treatment. At physio, the gals there tell me this is normal and I 'm not losing my mind....post chemo aches and pains are very common. The good thing is that I didn't have to do much for Halloween this year....there was a strong resemblance to Uncle Fester this year.  Remember him from the Addams Family? HAHAHA!Yes, things could be worse but really.....after 4 weeks?? I am really trying to stay positive here!

I am also please to report that I havent' craved a steak or hot dog since chemo ended! LOL!! Chicken is in!

The Sunday Leader Post had some great articles on Breast Cancer Survivors called Battle Scars  It puts into words what I cannot. 

Also, I finally located Jeff's picture on Bob's phone.....thanks for thinking of me!! xoxo

Run for the Cure 2012 - Kelowna BC

Stay safe as the weather is trying to decide what to do!  Shelley

Port no More!

This past Friday, I had the pleasure of having my port removed.  If you recall a port is used to administer chemo therapy.  My purple port was the absolute best thing ever....although I didn't feel that way when it was inserted!  It saved my arm from many chemo pokes (16 in total). So I took my beloved port home....here it is :D  Needless to say I laid low this weekend with my old BFF "ice pack". 

Port-a-Cath removed
October 26 2012

Now that the weather has stabilized somewhat, the aches and pains have subdued.  I can once again open jars, etc with my right hand but fine motor stuff is something I still have to work on.  My nails are coming back nicely too - they are not chipping and splitting every time I touch something.  However, I lost all my eye lashes!! *&(&!!! Like really!!  Oh well, I am hopeful that these too will grow in longer and thicker than before!  So although I feel like I am getting better, I also feel that I look more like a cancer patient than ever before...ironic, isn't it?!


Today I will try yoga at the Bodi Tree as there is a special class for breast cancer survivors....I hope that I stretch well :)  Regina has lots to offer  - we are truly lucky to have such great resources.

Here's to an awesome week!  S xo

Finding a New Normal

Well, it's been three weeks without chemo and ten days on Tamoxifen.... and I can honestly say I don't miss chemo one nano-bit! However, it has been interesting none-the-less.

The aches and stiffness resulting from our current weather change from cool to colder; rain to snow; sunny to cloudy is making me think that I am...  A) Losing my mind; B) Completely arthritic; C) Adapting to the new normal.  YOWZEER! What ever it is I hope it passes soon!  Actually, the wonderful physio ladies told me muscle stiffness and soreness is common after chemo....so I may not be losing my mind after all.....at least not yet! My greatest anxiety is blood clots in my legs....however, the aches I feel are thankfully not the same as when I actually did have blood clots way back in March. Apparently the "new normal" is learning to live with sore muscles and to keep  active...so, not all is bad!

My hair continues to be baby-fine, grey with a hint of black.  Hahaha! I accidentally scratched off my eye brow.....totally forgot those were still hanging on by  a thread! LOL!! Thank goodness for makeup!! I am not brave enough yet to post a picture "au naturel" .....I have them for private viewing only :)

Time to get on the treadmill and loosen up these legs, arms, back, .....

Cheers! Shelley

Complicated but Doable

We had my post-chemo medical review yesterday and all is well.  It's complicated but doable.  This next phase, basically the rest of my life, will be dedicated to eliminating cancer occurrence.  The next five years will involve hormone therapy.

Just to recap my diagnosis, the breast cancer I have is Estrogen and Progesterone positive AND I have Factor V which means I am high risk for blood clots.

So why Hormone Therapy? According to the National Cancer Institute

• The hormones estrogen and progesterone can stimulate the growth of some breast cancers. Hormone therapy is used to stop or slow the growth of these tumors.
• Hormone therapy is used to treat both early and advanced breast cancer, and to prevent breast cancer in women who are at high risk of developing the disease. (October 16, 2012)

Three options were presented to us...

#1 Tamoxifen for 5 years with Fragmin (blood thinner)

INVOLVES: daily oral pill of Tamoxifen and daily injections of Fragmin
PROS: Very successful with early stage breast cancer; promote bone density; used to treat pre-menopausal women
SIDE EFFECTS: The most common side effects are hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness (National Cancer Institute, 2012).  Other less common include risk of blood clots in the legs and lungs, stroke, cataracts, uterine cancer, mood swings and depression.
CONCERNS: Risk of blood clots

#2 Ovary Removal, Letrozole for 5 years with Warfarin (blood thinner)

INVOLVES: Immediate surgery for ovary removal; daily oral pill of Letrozole and Warfarin
PROS: No daily needles; easier to administer; More options for post-menopausal hormone therapy where there is no risk of blood clotting
SIDE EFFECTS: Immediate post menopausal side effects. Other side effects include risk of heart attack, angina, heart failure, and hypercholesterolemia, bone loss,  joint pain  and mood swings and depression (National Cancer Institute, 2012).
CONCERNS: Early onset of Osteoporosis; family heart health history; immediate gynoncologist referral and surgery to maximize benefits of treatment

#3 Combined Therapy - Tamoxifen for 2 years, Ovary Removal & Letrozole for 3 years

INVOLVES: All of the above
PROS: Reduces major concerns as per above; Provides time to schedule and meet with gynoncologist/surgery
SIDE EFFECTS: As per above
CONCERNS: .....as per above... however, this will be dependant on how well I tolerate the drugs.  If I can tolerate Tamoxifen, then the plan is as per above.  If I begin to develop blood clots and abnormalities in my blood then Option 2 will become more immediate (Dr. Kakamanu, 15 October 2012).

So #3 it is for now ~ I started Tamoxifen yesterday and blood work will be in one month's time unless other symptoms arise. I will apologize now for any mood swings I may have, fangs that may appears and other hormonal tendencies that may arise :) Remember this is temporary....at least until I find and adapt to this "new normal".....my poor family....

This combined therapy approach of mastectomy, chemo and hormone therapy will give me the best chance at a long and healthy life.  Recurrence is reduced to less than 10%.   Perhaps someday, recurrence will be 0%.    However, today, this is the best news for a long healthy life.

So my focus now is to get stronger! Exercise, rest well (OK, as well as the night sweats will allow) and healthy eating will be key! Healthy eating will need some work because I need to avoid excess phytoestrogens such as flax seed, soy, licorice, red raspberry, primrose,  etc to name a few.....the list is long.  There is lots to learn! Physio therapy continues to be twice a week....Lymphodema is still Stage 1 but getting better - I can feel improvements in my arm and side.  My scar tissues are beginning to move as well...this is good news!

Recovery is good...the mantra still holds....Eat, Pray & Walk/Exercise!

Cheers!! Shelley
.

2 Weeks Post Chemo

It's hard to believe two weeks have past since my last chemo treatment! Wow!  I am not sure where or what I did during that time.  I do know I sure slept a lot!  I was back sleeping every afternoon for 1-2 hours and crashing after supper then going to bed.....it was like I gave my body permission to be tired....the chemo adrenalin rush was no longer need - sleep was needed!

Physio is going really well and my lymphodema is still stage one but improving.  My range of motion is coming along nicely too.  They are busy working on "unsticking" the scar tissue from my ribs and back....sounds painful?!?  Just a bit but they tell me it will get better!

So tomorrow I meet with Dr. Kakamanu to find out what is in store for me and what the next plan is.

Happy Monday! Shelley xo