It's me, cancer-free, and checking back in! It's been awhile, and so here's what's been going on:
My "all-clear" check-up was last Thursday, the 25th. I'm still waiting for the final blood work results - they were going to mailed to me on Friday if all was well, or I'd get a call today from Dr. Hartung if anything was amiss. So far, I've seen/heard neither! However, I did ask her if I could say I am "free of cancer." She said YES, I've been free of cancer since the surgery, and all this is to remove any microscopic cells remaining, and help prevent recurrence. I am scheduled for a mammogram this Friday, I'll meet with Dr. Hartung every 3 months, and then I'll have an MRI in 6 months. I'll also have a follow-up appointment with Dr. Koeplin. I'm to notice and report any strange symptoms all throughout.
I have recently read in several articles (one while waiting for my free pedicure at the Aveda Salon 2000 in Woodbury - part of their wonderful Pampering Partnership for women undergoing chemotherapy/cancer treatment) that the triple negative ER/PR/HER2 type of cancer is more likely to recur. I hadn't really heard that before, but then I read it in several places. I asked about this, and the answer is that because it's not Estrogen receptor positive, it would not respond to any of the oral medications that are prescribed for 5 or so years after the other treatments. So, keep the prayers coming on that one, please!
I had a fun evening out with some great friends and fellow cub-scout moms, with a couple of surprise long-time friend guests as well, last Friday. Since life is short & every day is a gift, I'm doing my best to plan some fun things and spend some time with positive, encouraging people!
I've been back at work full-time since the 15th. That has been going pretty well, especially with a few new additional responsibilities to keep me busy (understatement!). I'm very thankful for my job as well, as there have been some painful job eliminations recently. It's always good to continue to grow & learn & develop yourself! Maybe some training or classes would be a good idea. My friend Kim suggested we take the Salsa dance lessons coming up in Community Ed! I'd count that as exercise, right? :O)
My fabulous friend, Jenny, and I have decided to co-captain a 3M team (also non-3M members) for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk around Lake Nokomis on October 11 (which very appropriately, is also my birthday - more reason to celebrate this year & every one after!). We've already sent out emails to many of you asking you to walk with us if that day works! The ACS encourages each walker to raise $100 in donations, but there is no minimum at all. I feel sort of guilty asking for donations after all the help that's already been so generously poured out to me, so please don't feel obligated in any way! It's a great cause that effects many more than the 1 out of 8 women that are diagnosed with breast cancer in their lives - sons, daughters, mothers, spouses, friends, etc. Here's the link to our team page: http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/MakingStridesAgainstBreastCancer/MSABCFY09Midwest?JServSessionIdr001=y6g9uxssc2.app311b&team_id=341437&pg=team&fr_id=11701
You've probably noticed it's breast cancer awareness month - PINK is everywhere!
Mike and I joined many others for the annual 3M Service Awards Banquet @ the Mpls Convention Center on the 20th. It was 20 years for me on June 15th. Wow! The dinner was very good and the entertainment, Super Diamond, was excellent, too! Even the dance floor was packed (not by us, however!). A nice evening. And thanks to Grandma, Aunt Colleen, and Jessica for hanging out with the boys! :O)
Alec and I were out shopping one rainy day & with amazing luck found & purchased a WII FIT. We've since been "working out" so to speak! We've practiced many of the balance games, which are particularly good for me with the continuing neuropathy in my feet. It's much better than sitting on the couch (not that there is much time for that, either!).
Kevin & I ventured to Afton Apple Orchard yesterday & braved the minor drizzle to pick a big bag of tart Haralson apples. Also HAD to get a big bag of Honeycrisp, our favorite. We also managed to find & pick 3 pints of red and golden raspberries. The golden ones always remind me of my grandma, who grew red, black, and golden raspberries in her enormous garden. Talk about the benefits of a basically organic garden! We didn't know how blessed we were with all that fresh produce!
Evenings are often filled with helping Alec & Kevin with homework. Kevin thinks it's quite unfair that he as a 2nd grader virtually always has more homework than his 4th grade brother! We are currently working on a diorama of a Magic Tree House book due next Monday. They are both doing well and enjoying seeing old friends and making new ones. They are also busy with scouting activities.
I'm still fighting fatigue, so I'll conclude (it's really 9:53 p.m. right now, not whatever time it says I posted). Again, thanks to you all for following along on this journey & encouraging me every step of the way. I'm so thankful for all the support shown to my boys, also, which has made this easier for me, allowed them to feel more "normal" than they would have otherwise. Please keep in touch! God bless and remember this is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice & be glad in it! We are not promised tomorrow, so let's spread His light today!
Monday, September 29, 2008
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Onward and Upward...
Onward...yes, treatment is complete - the final radiation went smoothly on August 26th - and so now is the time to recover & regrow! What a milestone!! It was somewhat anticlimactic that day. I got the same few minutes of radiation and then got up and left. I was awarded an Angel Foundation mug and a "graduation" print-out, which was very thoughtful. The radiation team was great and always upbeat - I'm thankful for them.
I would say, however, that the effects of the treatments have not fully disappeared. I do have a minor, but persistent rash now, from the radiation (my really good cream with calendula ran out right after the last treatment). I also am dealing with continuing neuropathy in my feet and hands (from the chemo). This is causing me to lose sleep more than I'd like, lately. Waking up with numb fingers also makes it a challenge to turn off the alarm clock! The hot flashes are still a daily occurrence as well, which also contributes to the lack of sleep. So, on top of the fatigue brought on by the radiation, I'm just plain tired!
I will be working in the office part time again this week, with the intent of returning to full time next week. Because of the exhaustion, I'm falling behind on my exercise and other healing practices, so I'm still needing to figure out how to make those a permanent part of the daily schedule (without getting back on the 4:30 a.m. bandwagon immediately, or ever, hopefully!).
Upward...the hair on my head is now maybe 1/2 an inch long! I'm thinking there are a few more grays sneaking in there than previously. Well, hair is hair...I'll still take it! I'm using Nioxin shampoo which was recommended by the American Cancer Society and also a stylist friend. I'm encouraging it to GROW!
Alec and Kevin have completed their first week back at school - major family adjustment! They both have great teachers which are going to provide them with lots of fun and academic challenges this year. The first Scholastic book order form has even arrived (LOVE those!) and school pictures are this coming week already. Now if we can keep them from bonking their heads on something prior to the pictures and getting a black eye or bruised goose egg, we'll be in good shape.
I am continuing my yoga classes on Wednesday evenings, and have a goal of getting back to the fitness center at work for at least 30 minutes as "daily" as possible. Also, a friend just gifted me with a massage, so I have that to look forward to, as well! Haven't had much reading time or crocheting time or even sunning on the deck for 15 minutes time (starting to get a little chilly for that - my "winter wimpy" status is returning). I try to squeeze some of those things in while riding in the car.
My next appointment with my oncologist, Dr. Hartung, is September 25th. I won't meet with Dr. Bellairs, my radiation oncologist, again until November 4th. Following these "all clear" appointments, I'll start a 3-month routine of check-ups, then eventually 6 months, a year, etc. They will alternate mammograms with MRIs every 6 months. I believe I'll be meeting with the surgeon, Dr. Koeplin, again at some point as well. I'm feeling pretty confident that all the cancer is gone. There really won't be any scans or additional tests (beyond blood work) unless I have a symptom of some sort.
I must say I'm very thankful I didn't wait until my next scheduled mammogram to get this lump checked out! I'd be starting all this about now, and who knows how far things would have spread (recall it was typed as Stage 1 - Grade 3 - fastest growing) by this time. I've read lately in the paper how now the idea is to discourage self-exams, with reasoning that it causes unnecessary biopsies. I would have to disagree! Even if the results of a biopsy are negative, I think it is a necessary test, to restore a woman's peace of mind.
Because this whole episode is not quite complete, I will probably continue to write updates to this blog (plus, you've figured out by now that I enjoy writing). I sincerely cannot tell you all how grateful I am for your wonderful ongoing support and care. As I've said before, I've never felt so beat up and so cared for at the same time. From old friends to newer friends to relatives far and near to even strangers, the prayers have continued to flow up to our Heavenly Father with healing results. He is awesome and so adores every single one of us. It is amazing to consider that the Creator of the Universe "is especially fond of" each of us, as if we were the only person alive. I know this experience has caused me to want to walk closer with Him every day. It's not always easy, and I don't always "feel" like it, but I know in my head and my heart that it is the only way to not only survive, but thrive. My goal for the remainder of the year, and the remainder of my life, is to do just that - thrive! And use the talents and gifts that He has given me for His purposes. It's time to get started.....
I would say, however, that the effects of the treatments have not fully disappeared. I do have a minor, but persistent rash now, from the radiation (my really good cream with calendula ran out right after the last treatment). I also am dealing with continuing neuropathy in my feet and hands (from the chemo). This is causing me to lose sleep more than I'd like, lately. Waking up with numb fingers also makes it a challenge to turn off the alarm clock! The hot flashes are still a daily occurrence as well, which also contributes to the lack of sleep. So, on top of the fatigue brought on by the radiation, I'm just plain tired!
I will be working in the office part time again this week, with the intent of returning to full time next week. Because of the exhaustion, I'm falling behind on my exercise and other healing practices, so I'm still needing to figure out how to make those a permanent part of the daily schedule (without getting back on the 4:30 a.m. bandwagon immediately, or ever, hopefully!).
Upward...the hair on my head is now maybe 1/2 an inch long! I'm thinking there are a few more grays sneaking in there than previously. Well, hair is hair...I'll still take it! I'm using Nioxin shampoo which was recommended by the American Cancer Society and also a stylist friend. I'm encouraging it to GROW!
Alec and Kevin have completed their first week back at school - major family adjustment! They both have great teachers which are going to provide them with lots of fun and academic challenges this year. The first Scholastic book order form has even arrived (LOVE those!) and school pictures are this coming week already. Now if we can keep them from bonking their heads on something prior to the pictures and getting a black eye or bruised goose egg, we'll be in good shape.
I am continuing my yoga classes on Wednesday evenings, and have a goal of getting back to the fitness center at work for at least 30 minutes as "daily" as possible. Also, a friend just gifted me with a massage, so I have that to look forward to, as well! Haven't had much reading time or crocheting time or even sunning on the deck for 15 minutes time (starting to get a little chilly for that - my "winter wimpy" status is returning). I try to squeeze some of those things in while riding in the car.
My next appointment with my oncologist, Dr. Hartung, is September 25th. I won't meet with Dr. Bellairs, my radiation oncologist, again until November 4th. Following these "all clear" appointments, I'll start a 3-month routine of check-ups, then eventually 6 months, a year, etc. They will alternate mammograms with MRIs every 6 months. I believe I'll be meeting with the surgeon, Dr. Koeplin, again at some point as well. I'm feeling pretty confident that all the cancer is gone. There really won't be any scans or additional tests (beyond blood work) unless I have a symptom of some sort.
I must say I'm very thankful I didn't wait until my next scheduled mammogram to get this lump checked out! I'd be starting all this about now, and who knows how far things would have spread (recall it was typed as Stage 1 - Grade 3 - fastest growing) by this time. I've read lately in the paper how now the idea is to discourage self-exams, with reasoning that it causes unnecessary biopsies. I would have to disagree! Even if the results of a biopsy are negative, I think it is a necessary test, to restore a woman's peace of mind.
Because this whole episode is not quite complete, I will probably continue to write updates to this blog (plus, you've figured out by now that I enjoy writing). I sincerely cannot tell you all how grateful I am for your wonderful ongoing support and care. As I've said before, I've never felt so beat up and so cared for at the same time. From old friends to newer friends to relatives far and near to even strangers, the prayers have continued to flow up to our Heavenly Father with healing results. He is awesome and so adores every single one of us. It is amazing to consider that the Creator of the Universe "is especially fond of" each of us, as if we were the only person alive. I know this experience has caused me to want to walk closer with Him every day. It's not always easy, and I don't always "feel" like it, but I know in my head and my heart that it is the only way to not only survive, but thrive. My goal for the remainder of the year, and the remainder of my life, is to do just that - thrive! And use the talents and gifts that He has given me for His purposes. It's time to get started.....
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