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
Monday, November 12, 2012
Sunday, November 4, 2012
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
Stay safe as the weather is trying to decide what to do! Shelley
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
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| Run for the Cure 2012 - Kelowna BC |
Monday, October 29, 2012
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".
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
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| 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
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
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
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
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
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
#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
.
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)
#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
.
Sunday, October 14, 2012
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
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
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Oh Happy Day!
YIPEE... WAAHOO....HOORAY.... AHH.... HALLELUYAH...LOVELY....
When life gives you a hundred reasons to cry, show life that you have a thousand reasons to smile. - Unknown
Today was a great day! Nothing could change that! Bob took me to the hospital this morning at 9:30 before he headed out on the road to scout. The girls were there shortly after 10:00 am just as I was heading in to Benedryl-induced coma :) At exactly 11:31 am, it was over and I was walking....ok, almost running out of there! It was an awesome feeling....like a huge weight was lifted off my shoulders knowing that we survived 16 chemo sessions over the past 5 months! Wow! So we had a mini-lunch celebration at Earl's today....life is good! The chemo staff are incredible!So are the volunteers!
Next blog update will be October 15, 2012 after my medical review. I have a couple of weeks to recover and regroup before I find out what my next phase is....regardless, today is an "oh happy day!"
Love to all, Shelley xoxo
P.S. Here are today's highlights.....
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| My Life & Inspiration |
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| Alana pressed the button for the LAST chemo session Oct 2, 2012 |
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| Atearful yet happy exit |
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| Alycia & Mikayla cheering me on! |
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