Hi! I know it’s been awhile since I have updated my blog. The one year anniversary of my final chemo appt passed a little over a month ago (June 28th) and I just had my biyearly check up with my oncologist so I thought it would be a good time to update my blog. Many friends and family ask me how I am doing, feeling, dealing with hormone suppression therapy, etc…. So here goes…
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| Shawn & Kyle at Kyle's 18th birthday celebration |
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| Happy Father's Day! |
The first half of 2012 has been great! Besides the daily hot flashes and occasional night sweats, I feel pretty good. Shawn likes to tease me when we watch TV. at night because one minute I have the blanket on and the next minute the blanket is off and then five minutes later I am cold again so the blanket is back on until the next hot flash…. I do find myself tiring out easier than before so I just make a point to get to bed as early as possible – it’s a bummer at times to wear out sooner than I want but hey God was so good to heal me and I am just happy to be alive. Going through menopause at the age of 36 isn’t my first choice of things to experience in life but it’s definitely a walk in the park compared to going through chemo. I have also tried to simplify my life as much as possible. Stress is one of the major triggers of cancer so I am learning to prioritize my time and schedule (i.e. learning to say no which is so hard for us women to do J) and know my limitations. Slowing down some, relaxing more has been great – enjoying that time with my family and friends.
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| Me and the girls during a hike near Lake Mead |
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| Waiting the see the movie Brave at the Red Rock Resort in Las Vegas |
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| Me and my honey |
In January we changed insurance companies to Kaiser so I had to find another oncologist. Luckily the major stuff was done and now I just needed to find an oncologist for the follow up appts and blood tests every six months as well as facilitating my hormone suppression therapy. I was sad because I really enjoyed Dr. Subramanian – she was an incredible doctor who I trusted and respected deeply. God was so good to lead me to another incredible oncologist Dr. Cheng with Kaiser. I had my first appt with him in January and I was very impressed with him. He was very calming, easy to talk to and very knowledgeable in the field. The only thing that was a bit frustrating was that when I asked him what the protocol was in cancer recurrence screening he said to let him know if I ever have any pain in odd places or pain that does not go away as well as feeling for any lumps on my implants and underarms. He said cysts can sometimes form in the scar tissue near my incisions and to inform him if I feel anything of the sort. Also if I have any swelling or pain in my legs to contact him immediately because that may be a sign of blood clots which can be a side effect of the hormone suppression therapy. Hearing that made me very uneasy and I told him that. I told him that what if a lump forms on my chest wall under my implants that I can’t feel. Also I told him that I didn’t want to come across as a hypochondriac and email him every time I have an ache or pain that won’t go away and how long should I wait for the pain to go away before I let him know about it. I told him that I would really appreciate if he would do blood tests every 6 months like Dr. Subramanian had done. I wasn’t asking for scans just blood tests to check on my cancer markers. Dr. Cheng said yes that is fine and was glad that I felt comfortable enough with him to speak my mind. He went on to say that he wanted an open relationship with me so we can talk about anything. I thought that was really cool and was impressed by his sincerity.
Before I left his office that day he had put in orders for me to get blood work done every six months starting that day so I went to the lab on my way out and had most of the results in my email that day and the rest within a few days. I was very apprehensive about changing insurance companies but have been very happy and impressed by what I have experienced so far with Kaiser.
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| Outside the Chapel of the Holy Cross in Sedona AZ |
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| Outside a chocolate store in Sedona |
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| Beautiful and stormy Sedona |
In June I had the opportunity to share a bit (and sing a little) about my cancer journey. The cancer center where I had my chemo hosted a survivor celebration night and about ten of us cancer survivors shared about our experiences. I also sang a part of the song “I Praise You in This Storm” by the Casting Crowns which most of you know has ministered so much to me this past year. It was such a beautiful night of sharing and listening to encouraging stories of how people fought and survived different types of cancer. I definitely felt the presence of Jesus there – when it was my time to share and I stood up to look out I felt this powerful yet calming wave flow through the audience. It was as if I could physically see the Lord calm and prepare those people for what I was about to share as well as what the other survivors shared many of who were clearly believers and gave praise for what the Lord had done in their cancer journeys.
The woman who was the MC for the night shared about an 84 year old woman she had met that had survived five different types of cancer and out lived 3 husbands. Amazing and so encouraging to hear!! I would be a liar if I told you I never worried about what would happen if my cancer came back but hearing about this woman gave me such encouragement and hope. And most importantly when I have those times of worry I turn to God for that ultimate hope and comfort.
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| Visiting the Grand Canyon |
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| We took a four hour train ride through the beautiful Verde Canyon in Arizona |
Last week I had my six month check up with my oncologist. He asked me three questions at the beginning of the appt. Do you exercise, do you take calcium and do you take vitamin D? I answered yes, yes and yes. He said great you are doing all the right things. The reason I need to take calcium and vitamin D is the Lupron injections I get every three months to block my ovaries from producing estrogen can cause osteoporosis so it’s very important to take the supplements to keep my bones healthy and strong. Luckily I only have about a year left of the Lupron injections and then I will only have to continue to take Tamoxifen daily for another three years. Unfortunately the side effects (osteoporosis) of the Lupron are long term thus the importance of calcium and vitamin D. I also take magnesium to help the absorption of the calcium. During my appt Dr. Cheng shared my blood work results – all looked good including my cancer makers – Praise God! He said I was very healthy and taking good care of myself. J
When I reflect back on my cancer journey and where I am today I am so thankful to my Lord Jesus Christ for carrying me through and giving me the health and life I have today. A close friend of mine commented recently on how well I was doing, how healthy I was and that she couldn’t believe that just last year I was going through cancer treatment. What can I say – God is good!! I am so blessed with my amazing family and friends for all the love, support and prayers I continue to experience. Thank you!
