After I was diagnised, after my surgery, before the chemo, I had a big button placed under the skin with tube into the veins- port placement. Now most people get this placed discretely out of sight and it doesn't bother their routine much and one gets used to having it. I was an exceptiion, and needed mine place higher on the chest, right about where the seat belt lays across your chest when you buckle up to drive. I had gotten used to the irritation and dreamed of the day I could have it removed. Thankfully that day was today! (9/10)
Now I remember them telling me when they installed it that they put a little suture in to hold one part in place, and I relayed that tidbit during my surgery prep talk. I was told they usually don't do that and probably what I felt was just a part of the device. Luckily when the expert un-installer man got tugging on the tubing, it dawned on him that there was a suture there and he clipped it, or whatever he did after tugging a few not so gentle times- gotta love an experienced man when it comes to things like tugging, especially when he kniw 's when to stop as I protest with a friendly hey Hey HEY!
I will say the area was well numbed and I didn't have to See any of the action, so that was great, too. The procedure was quick and after icing and taking a pain pill, I can put another checkmark on my list of things to do with this dreaded disease.
To all of you who may be going through similar unpleasantness, I say the best feeling is when it's over! Take good care of yourself and I'll see you soon!
Monday, September 14, 2015
Thursday, September 10, 2015
More appointments=more information
Have you had your share of appointments this year? I am one of those folks who rarely has to do things that require an appointment time. Well all that changed with my diagnosis last November. I remember trying to take advantage of the holiday season to find openings for the multitude of tests that were required to look closely in my entire body to see if my cancer had spread farther than my breast and the underarm lymph nodes that had already been found. I am very fortunate to work for a company, and to hold a position that has really allowed me to take advantage of available time slots. It seems as though every Dr. has a full schedule and it is hard enough to figure out which dr to get referred to, to have whatever is needed authorized, and then shedule the appointment . Then we have to Remember the appointment and organize every other part of our life around it. If the first time slot is not convenient, sometimes it is 2weeks later until there is another equally inopportune time available. One has to see some humor in that part!
Well, for me that unpredictability can be frustrating, but I have been adapting. With my trusty phone to keep you all nearby, it is much easier to wait. I understand that if they are running late it must be that someone else needed more help or an additional bit of caring on a particular day. I also find that coming into an appointment with a Great attitude and rembering to thank every person who I come into contact with can also help my future appointments go smoothly and they usually return my smile, which always makes me feel even better about aaallllll the questions I ask! I encourage all of you to arrive prepared for each appointment too , as I have found that most information is available if we ask for it.
Time for this Dr to check my toenails again, so I'm going to ask if there are supplements to make them grow faster- little question, but may lead to a discussion on nutrition - my favorite quiz of all!
Until next time- take great care of yourself and I hope you ask some
Well, for me that unpredictability can be frustrating, but I have been adapting. With my trusty phone to keep you all nearby, it is much easier to wait. I understand that if they are running late it must be that someone else needed more help or an additional bit of caring on a particular day. I also find that coming into an appointment with a Great attitude and rembering to thank every person who I come into contact with can also help my future appointments go smoothly and they usually return my smile, which always makes me feel even better about aaallllll the questions I ask! I encourage all of you to arrive prepared for each appointment too , as I have found that most information is available if we ask for it.
Time for this Dr to check my toenails again, so I'm going to ask if there are supplements to make them grow faster- little question, but may lead to a discussion on nutrition - my favorite quiz of all!
Until next time- take great care of yourself and I hope you ask some
Wednesday, August 26, 2015
First Tattoos
Today I had my scan for my radiation plan. Super nice technicians and nurses and the Doctor is amazing too. As I was positioned on the scanning table, I kept wondering when they would administer the tattoos, how many will there be, and most of all, will they be very noticeable? Well I really didn't have so much to worry about as they are very small skin pricks, and pink! She used a black light to give a visual check so I'll have to find a low cut top and a black light dance floor to really show off my new tats! So in other words all that energy wondering about if it would hurt, etc was unwarranted.
I have begun my radiation treatments last Monday, which puts me finishing about the first week of October. For that I am very excited as it will mark the end of another chapter in this old breast cancer story!
Saturday, August 8, 2015
Moving Forward
Moving forward
Ever think about how that statement can mean so much? In some ways it reflects the mere passing of time. Sometimes it means getting through another day, and occasionally it means taking giant leaps into the unknown.
As I continue in my journey, my year or so in a fight against breast cancer, I am propelled into another of the 'unknown' category. I will begin the radiation therapy process next week. In many ways the next 7weeks seem overwhelming, and in other ways, they seem like not much time at all, compared to my last 7 months undergoing the oh so inconvenient 'chemo' treatments. It is hard to imagine my body having gone through so much already. The next part is hardly even daunting.
I have adopted eating a yeast free diet, and am again walking 2 miles a day, plus any other exercise form I can add to that base. Going back into the office to work this past week was a big change to my routine, but was one of the key ingredients to getting my motivation back, too. I guess it is one leap towards returning to my former self, though that has changed too, it seems. I need to think a bit more about who I want to become, as so many things have changed from that person I used to be. I hope to keep the cancer from coming back, so if that means eating differently and exercising more, then that's what I'll embrace!
The exciting things that have been happening are worth the efforts. I have been losing a few pounds and keeping them off, and the exercise has given me more energy too, of course.
My hair is starting to come back which is great news. I think so far it will be a lovely platinum color, which may or may not stay, though I kinda hope it does. I'd rather skip the former mostly grey coloring, but am happy with whatever I get! I have enjoyed my time not having to shave my legs, but actually look forward to having my eyebrows back some day! Who knew it was so hard to draw those on every day, and get them even, in an attempt to create a Look.
I have lately been wearing my short haircut wig and find that it is pretty comfortable, keeping me warm in all the office air conditioning- who knew! It takes me very little time in the mornings to whip through the shower, dress and pop my hair on, so it is a bit attractive to keep with that routine, even as my hair slowly returns. I miss my pony tail, but feel like at 53 I can perhaps stick with a shorter hairdo, and pamper myself with regular salon visits in the future. I have seen some pretty stylish hairdos while I wait for my turn to get a cut, and it won't be more than a few more months, till I can style something again.
Time seems to be moving quickly with all that keeps me busy, and I understand how folks older than me say they are amazed at how the years go by quickly. I attribute that to the many wonderful and interesting things that are filling my days, and how just having my family and friends actively involved, I have so many cherished moments. Thanks to all of you for following along with me while I wait for my next adventures!
If you have a chance, add a line or two in response to let me know how your time is passing, and what makes a special moment for you! Enjoy today!
Ever think about how that statement can mean so much? In some ways it reflects the mere passing of time. Sometimes it means getting through another day, and occasionally it means taking giant leaps into the unknown.
As I continue in my journey, my year or so in a fight against breast cancer, I am propelled into another of the 'unknown' category. I will begin the radiation therapy process next week. In many ways the next 7weeks seem overwhelming, and in other ways, they seem like not much time at all, compared to my last 7 months undergoing the oh so inconvenient 'chemo' treatments. It is hard to imagine my body having gone through so much already. The next part is hardly even daunting.
I have adopted eating a yeast free diet, and am again walking 2 miles a day, plus any other exercise form I can add to that base. Going back into the office to work this past week was a big change to my routine, but was one of the key ingredients to getting my motivation back, too. I guess it is one leap towards returning to my former self, though that has changed too, it seems. I need to think a bit more about who I want to become, as so many things have changed from that person I used to be. I hope to keep the cancer from coming back, so if that means eating differently and exercising more, then that's what I'll embrace!
The exciting things that have been happening are worth the efforts. I have been losing a few pounds and keeping them off, and the exercise has given me more energy too, of course.
My hair is starting to come back which is great news. I think so far it will be a lovely platinum color, which may or may not stay, though I kinda hope it does. I'd rather skip the former mostly grey coloring, but am happy with whatever I get! I have enjoyed my time not having to shave my legs, but actually look forward to having my eyebrows back some day! Who knew it was so hard to draw those on every day, and get them even, in an attempt to create a Look.
I have lately been wearing my short haircut wig and find that it is pretty comfortable, keeping me warm in all the office air conditioning- who knew! It takes me very little time in the mornings to whip through the shower, dress and pop my hair on, so it is a bit attractive to keep with that routine, even as my hair slowly returns. I miss my pony tail, but feel like at 53 I can perhaps stick with a shorter hairdo, and pamper myself with regular salon visits in the future. I have seen some pretty stylish hairdos while I wait for my turn to get a cut, and it won't be more than a few more months, till I can style something again.
Time seems to be moving quickly with all that keeps me busy, and I understand how folks older than me say they are amazed at how the years go by quickly. I attribute that to the many wonderful and interesting things that are filling my days, and how just having my family and friends actively involved, I have so many cherished moments. Thanks to all of you for following along with me while I wait for my next adventures!
If you have a chance, add a line or two in response to let me know how your time is passing, and what makes a special moment for you! Enjoy today!
Friday, July 17, 2015
Last chemotherapy treatment day! Hoooraaaayyyy!
Hello again friends!
Today I'm having my last chemo treatment, and I am so looking forward to so many of the normal things in life! Well I have a month off before I start my radiation, and should be feeling much better in a couple weeks. At least the fuzz on my head will be starting to turn into short hairs, and I will be excited to see just how much glitter will adorn my head with this new growth! I have acquired a huge assortment of scarves for turbans and even have a couple wigs to carry me through till the fall. I imagine the short cut will be easy to manage and I aspire to the look of Carol, I the walking dead by Christmas , but whatever I get will be good, and the Sinead O'Connor look will do for a celebration vacation to warm weather!
Today I'm having my last chemo treatment, and I am so looking forward to so many of the normal things in life! Well I have a month off before I start my radiation, and should be feeling much better in a couple weeks. At least the fuzz on my head will be starting to turn into short hairs, and I will be excited to see just how much glitter will adorn my head with this new growth! I have acquired a huge assortment of scarves for turbans and even have a couple wigs to carry me through till the fall. I imagine the short cut will be easy to manage and I aspire to the look of Carol, I the walking dead by Christmas , but whatever I get will be good, and the Sinead O'Connor look will do for a celebration vacation to warm weather!
The challenging part of having no hair is trying to feel somewhat normal in appearance. No matter how cleverly I tie my scarf it always feels like, ugh, is someone going to ask me if I have cancer, Again?!
What I find is that when I go out to do my grocery shopping, I don't really want people to talk to me about my illness, and I would be happy if they conversed on apple variety, price of tomatoes, or Anything but my diagnosis. I hope that when I see a fellow survivor, I remember what it was like and talk to them about something that they might enjoy talking about, giving them some privacy and maybe even respect or space they need for their time away from home. If they seem like they need support, I will mention I too am a survivor, and that may ease their mind. I usually direct them to cancer.org as a super resource, because I have had good luck with their connections of a free wig, the look goog, feel better program and they can even pair you with a fellow survivor that has had your same diagnosis, for talking through the unknowns.
Since I was diagnosed, I find there are lots of us, we are strong people, and fighters, all! Makes me feel great to be among such a great group of individuals, and I hope I can help someone often. Only God know why we are in this, but we all grow in this together, which makes us even stronger.
Prayers are always welcome wih chemo!
I will say that I am fortunate to be an outgoing personality, which helps me to initiate conversations with people I may meet while we are out and about. I encourage all of you to take a leap and say hi to someone you don't know, strike up a short conversation and get to know what makes the other unique- you may find a new friend, or you may just help someone through a challenging day! My thanks go out to all of you readers. I enjoy "talking" to you often, and will do my best to keep up our conversations- I'm sure I will be waiting for personality, which helps me to initiate conversations with people I may meet while we are out and about. I encourage all of you to take a leap and say hi to someone you don't know, strike up a short conversation and get to know what makes the other unique- you may find a new friend, or you may just help someone through a challenging day! My thanks go out to all of you readers. I enjoy "talking" to you often, and will do my best to keep up our conversations- I'm sure I will be waiting for something!
Friday, July 10, 2015
Fridays!
Do you look forward to Friday? I have always looked to the weekend for grounding, getting together with friends, and even catching up on housework! For some reason it always seems like those things are hard to squeeze in during the week, and all are good reasons not to stay in bed too late on Saturday or Sunday.
I find that early mornings are some if the most precious of the day, and I really hate to miss the birds singing, or even watching the sprinklers do their thing. I find I so relaxing to have no immediate time requirements.
As I shut the computer down when I finished working today, it dawned on me that today is Friday! And on my way to my next to last treatment, That dawned on me too, Double Yippee! And to top that off, my garden is looking good! Fabulous blueberries and vegetables are growing, weeds are almost under control, and it is summertime! What a great time to be alive! I truly feel blessed and very thankful to have the support of family and friends and great nurses and doctors for all the not so fun things going on right now.
For the most part, the little things are the best part of life, and we should celebrate every day- especially Friday!
I find that early mornings are some if the most precious of the day, and I really hate to miss the birds singing, or even watching the sprinklers do their thing. I find I so relaxing to have no immediate time requirements.
As I shut the computer down when I finished working today, it dawned on me that today is Friday! And on my way to my next to last treatment, That dawned on me too, Double Yippee! And to top that off, my garden is looking good! Fabulous blueberries and vegetables are growing, weeds are almost under control, and it is summertime! What a great time to be alive! I truly feel blessed and very thankful to have the support of family and friends and great nurses and doctors for all the not so fun things going on right now.
For the most part, the little things are the best part of life, and we should celebrate every day- especially Friday!
Thursday, July 2, 2015
Waiting for the weekend to begin
Waiting for the weekend to begin
I woke up today to the sun shining through my window, and had 2 whole minutes before the alarm was to go off. As I re-shut my eyes to enjoy every second of rejuvenation, I had a chance to be thankful for another beautiful day! As my mind began to focus I started planning my day, and my 3 day weekend!
Do you wake up with your mind racing through all that needs to be done for the day? Mine always has I think, and it makes me revv up from the time I open my eyes. Shower, coffee, dog, work- that is my morning routine. As I savor my first cup, I lay out the day in my head and sometimes make my lists, if there are just too many things to think about swirling around in there at once. I make lists to be able to prioritize all the things I want to either start or finish, and grocery lists, of course. What a great feeling to be able to mark something off and feel that burst of accomplishment to fuel me towards the next item on the list.
Along that line of crossing things off is that today is the 10th of the12 treatments in this round of chemo! I am hoping my visit with the Dr in a few minutes provides good results and I am able to continue without a break. I mean I am So Close to moving on to a recovery break, then the final step, radiation. I feel confident that I will Win this race. Not that the next part is something to really look forward to, but the forward progress is!
The nurses, as always, are cheery and very welcoming when I arrive, and fit me in almost immediately to get my labs drawn. And now I wait for my appointment with the Dr.
This waiting room could use a little festive feel right about now, but I hesitate to intrude on one couple as she does not appear to feel well, or maybe she is just opting for a quiet moment with her eyes closed. Her husband is by her side and though the support is admirable, some woman act differently around their spouse- maybe we all mirror the company we keep? I always hope others will mirror my optimism, or if I appear in need of a little boost, they can offer some energy to me! After all, we are all on this earth together, so why not do whatever we can to make our days bright and our outlook sunny!
I hope I have given you a ray of sunshine and some interesting topics to ponder- make it a fabulous day!
I woke up today to the sun shining through my window, and had 2 whole minutes before the alarm was to go off. As I re-shut my eyes to enjoy every second of rejuvenation, I had a chance to be thankful for another beautiful day! As my mind began to focus I started planning my day, and my 3 day weekend!
Do you wake up with your mind racing through all that needs to be done for the day? Mine always has I think, and it makes me revv up from the time I open my eyes. Shower, coffee, dog, work- that is my morning routine. As I savor my first cup, I lay out the day in my head and sometimes make my lists, if there are just too many things to think about swirling around in there at once. I make lists to be able to prioritize all the things I want to either start or finish, and grocery lists, of course. What a great feeling to be able to mark something off and feel that burst of accomplishment to fuel me towards the next item on the list.
Along that line of crossing things off is that today is the 10th of the12 treatments in this round of chemo! I am hoping my visit with the Dr in a few minutes provides good results and I am able to continue without a break. I mean I am So Close to moving on to a recovery break, then the final step, radiation. I feel confident that I will Win this race. Not that the next part is something to really look forward to, but the forward progress is!
The nurses, as always, are cheery and very welcoming when I arrive, and fit me in almost immediately to get my labs drawn. And now I wait for my appointment with the Dr.
This waiting room could use a little festive feel right about now, but I hesitate to intrude on one couple as she does not appear to feel well, or maybe she is just opting for a quiet moment with her eyes closed. Her husband is by her side and though the support is admirable, some woman act differently around their spouse- maybe we all mirror the company we keep? I always hope others will mirror my optimism, or if I appear in need of a little boost, they can offer some energy to me! After all, we are all on this earth together, so why not do whatever we can to make our days bright and our outlook sunny!
I hope I have given you a ray of sunshine and some interesting topics to ponder- make it a fabulous day!
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