Well, it's been quite a journey these past eleven weeks. My chemotherapy treatments have ended, bringing an end to the need for this blog. It seems so long ago when I started out with my first treatment three days before Christmas. I know I had a lot of reservations about doing chemotherapy back then. But I'm glad I made the decision to go ahead and accept the doctor's recommendations. I know there are no guarantees when it comes to cancer but I'm comfortable knowing I've given myself the best chance against recurrence.
I wish I could say I'm all done with everything related to my cancer diagnosis and treatment, but I still have one more surgery, a period of healing, a head of hair to grow back, and 5 years of hormone therapy. But there will be an end to all this, just like there was an end to the chemotherapy treatments. One day soon I will be able to say it's really over. And years from now, it will be a distant memory. I might even forget how awful the Ensure drink and the salt-and-baking-soda mouth rinse tasted.
And so tomorrow I head back to work. I'm excited but a little bit nervous. I really have no idea what I will we doing when I return. I'm sure I will have a lot of catching up to do to bring myself up to speed on whatever project I'm assigned to next. Staying busy will definitely not be an issue.
When I first considered doing this blog, it seemed kind of silly and I almost dismissed the idea. But I'm glad I chose to do it anyways. I heard from many of you that it really helped to keep you informed on how I was doing. I wish to thank you all for your continuous prayers and support during this trial of mine. It helped to know you were all pulling for me.
I've been thinking that I may start a new blog, a blog about our family...So stay tuned. I'll send a new link when I get it going.
...And that's a wrap!
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Monday, March 7, 2011
A Visit With My Oncologist
This morning I met with my oncologist to see what's next now that my chemotherapy is complete.
I will be starting hormonal therapy (also known as endocrine therapy) very soon. My type of breast cancer was estrogen receptor-positive meaning it needs the hormone estrogen to grow. Hormone therapies block or stop my body's production of estrogen which helps stop the cancer from growing again. I found out today that I will not be taking Tamoxifen as we first thought. A blood test was done back in November to determine if I was premenopausal or postmenopausal. It appears I am postmenopausal and will need to take something different. I guess the cancer or surgery scared my body into menopause. I will be taking an aromatase inhibitor, which blocks the body from making estrogen. Tamoxifen works by blocking estrogen in breast tissue. Both work to stop the growth of breast cancer but one is used before menopause and one is used after. The aromatase inhibitor works better from what I was told and read, but it can cause osteoporosis. So before I can start the pills, I need to have a bone density test done. I will be contacted to set up the appointment when the insurance approves the test. The results will give the doctor a baseline to which he can compare future tests. I will be taking calcium and vitamin D supplements to help fight off the osteoporosis and keep my bones strong. I will also need to include weight-bearing exercises into my fitness routines. Back to the gym!
We talked about food, which foods to eat and which to avoid in an anti-cancer diet. Basically eat lots of fruits and vegetable, limit red meat, choose fish or chicken, limit dairy, junk food and foods with high sugar content. It's nothing I hadn't heard before and most of it I try to incorporate in my current diet for a healthy heart.
Regarding my next surgery, I can have it done any time after three weeks have passed from my last treatment. Three weeks will be next Wednesday. I won't be having surgery then, but I do have an appointment with my plastic surgeon next Wednesday to discuss the surgery. A surgery date will be scheduled soon afterwards.
Today's doctor visit was very short and the doctor was very inattentive towards me. He was late getting into the office, hence late for my appointment and a hurry to move on to the next patient. Furthermore, while looking up my records on the computer he was preoccupied with his text messages on his cell phone. I wasn't thrilled when I first was assigned this doctor and I'm still not impressed. I guess as long as he gets the tests and pills ordered, everything should work out okay. I don't meet with him again until a month later after starting the pills. I think I'll have the appointment later in the day so he can get his other business out of the way before he sees me. Maybe I'll get more of his attention that way. We'll see.
I will be starting hormonal therapy (also known as endocrine therapy) very soon. My type of breast cancer was estrogen receptor-positive meaning it needs the hormone estrogen to grow. Hormone therapies block or stop my body's production of estrogen which helps stop the cancer from growing again. I found out today that I will not be taking Tamoxifen as we first thought. A blood test was done back in November to determine if I was premenopausal or postmenopausal. It appears I am postmenopausal and will need to take something different. I guess the cancer or surgery scared my body into menopause. I will be taking an aromatase inhibitor, which blocks the body from making estrogen. Tamoxifen works by blocking estrogen in breast tissue. Both work to stop the growth of breast cancer but one is used before menopause and one is used after. The aromatase inhibitor works better from what I was told and read, but it can cause osteoporosis. So before I can start the pills, I need to have a bone density test done. I will be contacted to set up the appointment when the insurance approves the test. The results will give the doctor a baseline to which he can compare future tests. I will be taking calcium and vitamin D supplements to help fight off the osteoporosis and keep my bones strong. I will also need to include weight-bearing exercises into my fitness routines. Back to the gym!
We talked about food, which foods to eat and which to avoid in an anti-cancer diet. Basically eat lots of fruits and vegetable, limit red meat, choose fish or chicken, limit dairy, junk food and foods with high sugar content. It's nothing I hadn't heard before and most of it I try to incorporate in my current diet for a healthy heart.
Regarding my next surgery, I can have it done any time after three weeks have passed from my last treatment. Three weeks will be next Wednesday. I won't be having surgery then, but I do have an appointment with my plastic surgeon next Wednesday to discuss the surgery. A surgery date will be scheduled soon afterwards.
Today's doctor visit was very short and the doctor was very inattentive towards me. He was late getting into the office, hence late for my appointment and a hurry to move on to the next patient. Furthermore, while looking up my records on the computer he was preoccupied with his text messages on his cell phone. I wasn't thrilled when I first was assigned this doctor and I'm still not impressed. I guess as long as he gets the tests and pills ordered, everything should work out okay. I don't meet with him again until a month later after starting the pills. I think I'll have the appointment later in the day so he can get his other business out of the way before he sees me. Maybe I'll get more of his attention that way. We'll see.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Surviving Chemotherapy Blog is Coming to an End
I feel my "Surviving Chemotherapy" blog has come to the point where its worn out its intent. When I started this blog, I wanted to provide a way for family and friends to check in on me and find out how I was doing day to day. It also helped me to record patterns of side effects from treatment to treatment. I believe it succeeded in both ways. But my chemotherapy treatments are complete and the side effects have all but faded away. I find myself chatting more and more about my outings, my hobbies or family events, and less about the treatments and their effects on me. It is time to bring this blog to an end. Tuesday is my last day of medical leave and will also be my last blog entry. With a release to return to work on Wednesday, I can confidently say "I survived my chemotherapy".
So tomorrow I visit my oncologist to find out what happens next and how long I need to wait before I have the final surgery that completes the reconstruction process started back in October. It will be the last information I have to share that is related to my chemotherapy treatments and will bring the topic to rest. And I am more than ready to move on.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Warm Summer-like Day
It's funny how 77° seemed so hot today in comparison to recent days where the high was only 60°. But in August and September, 77° will seem quite cool when the temperatures have soared into the 90's. Nevertheless, today the warmer temperature felt like summer. I opened up the windows and doors in the house to let the warm winds in. You can feel it. Spring is just around the corner.
Today was cleaning day. I am back into my routine where house cleaning and laundry get done on Friday night and Saturday morning. Though I don't start work until Wednesday, I'm getting back into my old schedule of full time work weeks and weekends for stuff around the house. I won't have any problem getting up early in the mornings to go to work. I get up early now to see my son off to school. It should be an easy transition from house bum to working woman.
I feel great and have no more lingering side effects from this last round of chemotherapy. Oh, except for this stuffy nose. And my gums. I never mentioned them before, but they get tender after each treatment and bleed some when flossing. Just another mouth problem. But this has almost cleared up too. Almost 100% me.
Today was cleaning day. I am back into my routine where house cleaning and laundry get done on Friday night and Saturday morning. Though I don't start work until Wednesday, I'm getting back into my old schedule of full time work weeks and weekends for stuff around the house. I won't have any problem getting up early in the mornings to go to work. I get up early now to see my son off to school. It should be an easy transition from house bum to working woman.
I feel great and have no more lingering side effects from this last round of chemotherapy. Oh, except for this stuffy nose. And my gums. I never mentioned them before, but they get tender after each treatment and bleed some when flossing. Just another mouth problem. But this has almost cleared up too. Almost 100% me.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Out Most of the Day
I had a very busy day that took me all over North San Diego County, to the south, out west to the coast, and north to the shopping centers.
I began the day heading south to our church for a Women's Cancer Support Group meeting. The meetings have really helped me through this crazy journey I've been on. These women have inspired me with their own personal stories and encouraged and prayed for me throughout my treatments. I learned how important it is to reach out and ask for help and support. It wasn't as scary when I had friends that knew what I was going through and how I was feeling. I wasn't alone and that made a big difference.
Next was an absolutely fabulous lunch date out west. My neighbor helped me celebrate the end of chemotherapy by treating me to a wonderful lunch at a fancy restaurant right on the beach. We even had window seats to enjoy the gorgeous view. I tried the Pecan-Crusted Sea Bass and it was delicious. My taste has returned and I savored the flavors. Not needing to hold back on calories, we shared a 'Hula Pie' for dessert. This is very similar to a 'Mud Pie' except the ice cream is vanilla rather than coffee-flavored.
Later, I headed northbound to the mall with my son who was craving a cinnamon roll from Cinnabon after school. I confess it's not much traveling but it is north. Unfortunately, the new tea shop was in the vicinity and drew us in before we could scamper safely past it. I came out with 3 new loose leaf teas to try with my new 'Perfect Tea Maker'. Hmm..I need to be careful. This store is addicting. After the mall, we killed some time at Barnes & Noble. I just love that place!
As you can see from my escapades today, I'm feeling pretty good and enjoying the last few days of my time off.
I began the day heading south to our church for a Women's Cancer Support Group meeting. The meetings have really helped me through this crazy journey I've been on. These women have inspired me with their own personal stories and encouraged and prayed for me throughout my treatments. I learned how important it is to reach out and ask for help and support. It wasn't as scary when I had friends that knew what I was going through and how I was feeling. I wasn't alone and that made a big difference.
Next was an absolutely fabulous lunch date out west. My neighbor helped me celebrate the end of chemotherapy by treating me to a wonderful lunch at a fancy restaurant right on the beach. We even had window seats to enjoy the gorgeous view. I tried the Pecan-Crusted Sea Bass and it was delicious. My taste has returned and I savored the flavors. Not needing to hold back on calories, we shared a 'Hula Pie' for dessert. This is very similar to a 'Mud Pie' except the ice cream is vanilla rather than coffee-flavored.
Later, I headed northbound to the mall with my son who was craving a cinnamon roll from Cinnabon after school. I confess it's not much traveling but it is north. Unfortunately, the new tea shop was in the vicinity and drew us in before we could scamper safely past it. I came out with 3 new loose leaf teas to try with my new 'Perfect Tea Maker'. Hmm..I need to be careful. This store is addicting. After the mall, we killed some time at Barnes & Noble. I just love that place!
As you can see from my escapades today, I'm feeling pretty good and enjoying the last few days of my time off.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
No Aches Today - Almost Myself Again
My time off is coming to a quick end. I can't believe how the days fly by now. I have so much more to do. Maybe I should have waited to go back to work until the following Monday...nah...I'll be ready by Wednesday. There will always be work to do around here. I need to get away from the housework and get to the office where I do more challenging projects. Housework will get done as it usually did, on weekends or evenings.
Today I'm feeling pretty good. Tylenol was not needed during the day and I don't feel I need to take any this evening. I'm ready to put that bottle of pills away with the others I don't need anymore. It's nice to clear off the counter of all the drugs I was taking. I didn't have a lot, but more than a one-a-day vitamin is too many for me.
My mouth felt much better today. Not as much tingling going on in there. It helps to keep a bottle of water around all the time and sip from it often. And brushing with the Biotene toothpaste 3-4 times a day also helps. My nose is still stuffy, but I'm not worried. It will clear up soon.
I just zipped on over to the bathroom scale to see what I weigh now. In my pajamas I topped out at 117.2 lbs. Not bad after four rounds of chemotherapy. I think that was close to my starting weight. I'm still a little low from my target weight of 120, but I can add three pounds on in the next month or so. I hope it is muscle weight though and not fat. I need to get back to the fitness center and work with the machines again. Walking is good, but it doesn't build muscle.
Today I'm feeling pretty good. Tylenol was not needed during the day and I don't feel I need to take any this evening. I'm ready to put that bottle of pills away with the others I don't need anymore. It's nice to clear off the counter of all the drugs I was taking. I didn't have a lot, but more than a one-a-day vitamin is too many for me.
My mouth felt much better today. Not as much tingling going on in there. It helps to keep a bottle of water around all the time and sip from it often. And brushing with the Biotene toothpaste 3-4 times a day also helps. My nose is still stuffy, but I'm not worried. It will clear up soon.
I just zipped on over to the bathroom scale to see what I weigh now. In my pajamas I topped out at 117.2 lbs. Not bad after four rounds of chemotherapy. I think that was close to my starting weight. I'm still a little low from my target weight of 120, but I can add three pounds on in the next month or so. I hope it is muscle weight though and not fat. I need to get back to the fitness center and work with the machines again. Walking is good, but it doesn't build muscle.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Bone Aches are Almost Gone
This morning took me back to the lab for another blood draw. I sure hope that was my last for a while. I will know if I need to do any more after talking with the doctor on Monday. It didn't hurt but just having to do them is a petty annoyance. I know they are still watching my hemoglobin level and red blood cell count. We don't want these to plunge into the dangerous zone.
Retail therapy was next on the list for today. Lucky day for me, I found a stock-up sale on basic t-shirts. I was looking for a variety of colors to layer under other shirts. I scored big time on the price and selection.
The rest of the day was filled with small stuff like paying bills, reading and other miscellaneous errands.
I haven't taken any Tylenol all day. The aches are mild to none at all. I probably will take a couple before bed and then will probably not need the pills any more. At least not for the Neulasta shot bone aches. My mouth was more off today than the last few days. The tingly sensation has returned to my mouth and tongue. And I've been battling a stuffy/runny nose again. I've had all this before and I know they are temporary symptoms. They will go away eventually.
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