I know it has been a very long time since I have posted anything and many of you have asked -- so here it is:
In June I met with the surgeon (Dr. Mary) and all looks good to her. She will want my bloodwork run again in August for Vitamin D and to see if I can reduce my 5,000 IU a day.
In July I met with the Radiation Oncologist (Dr. Panwella) who also gave me a thumbs up - other than not liking my decision to opt OUT of tamoxifan. She had a little concern about the skin color in the radiation area - but was very happy with the texture and my attitude! Yipee
Today I met with my new best friend Dr. Seligman -my Oncologist. He poked and prodded and gave me a very thorough check up. I get results of all of that next week. He also spent more time trying to talk me into "tamoxifan" but I wasn't going there. We finally agreed to talk again in December.
I am doing weekly accupuncture as well as practicing yoga 2 times a week. I am walking again every day and I finally feel like I am getting my energy back.
Work is crazy busy - but I love it! At the relay for life event recently, I heard a cancer survivor speak who talked about the quote from ROCKY where he says something like---...its not how hard you are hit - it how hard you fight back when you get hit! I'm continuing to fight with all of your love, support and prayers.
I will post again next week with my test results.
Much Love--- June
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Monday, April 12, 2010
Radiation is Complete!
I know it has been quite a while since I updated the blog and several people have reminded me that it is time - so here it goes:
As one dear friend asked me at church on Sunday - "How was your 7-week retreat to Camp Nuke a Breast?" Boy - that says it all!
My body managed the radiation pretty well - actually really well until the end. My armpit area started "breaking down" in early March and Dr. Panwalla moved my "boost" treatments up to give the area a break. The boost treatments are designed to radiate the immediate area where the tumor sat in my breast. I had 7 of those treatments and then went back to finish the general radiation. My armpit area cleared up and healed in that time, however, now the boost area started breaking down.
I had many "home" remedies to try - vitamin E oil with saran wrap to protect it - that worked great! Cabbage leaves on the breast itself to east the pain/burn - also worked great. Apparently this is all the rage among new breastfeeding mothers for pain and other issues. Finally, my accupuncturist gave me a sauve of chinese herbs that took away the pain, the red, the swelling all in two days! She has also put me on a chinese herb called C/R support which is specially designed for people going through chemo or radiation. It helps with digestion, energy, body heat etc. It has been wonderful.
I have some big Dr. appointments coming up this week. I see Dr. Mary and back to the Dr. Panwella. I continue with my weekly physical therapy appointments, accupuncture and yoga 3/week. I am feeling healthy and doing great. Slowly moving back to my new "normal".
The Dr. did finally give me permission to fly - so Greg and I are going to visit Jessica at the end of the month in South Dakota. I guess it isn't good to fly during or soon after radiation because of the air pressure and radiation still in your body and having had so many lymph nodes removed.
I will update again next week after my doctor appointments. My big angst now is "Tomoxifan or no Tomoxifan?" I don't want to do it.
More to come......
Love, June
As one dear friend asked me at church on Sunday - "How was your 7-week retreat to Camp Nuke a Breast?" Boy - that says it all!
My body managed the radiation pretty well - actually really well until the end. My armpit area started "breaking down" in early March and Dr. Panwalla moved my "boost" treatments up to give the area a break. The boost treatments are designed to radiate the immediate area where the tumor sat in my breast. I had 7 of those treatments and then went back to finish the general radiation. My armpit area cleared up and healed in that time, however, now the boost area started breaking down.
I had many "home" remedies to try - vitamin E oil with saran wrap to protect it - that worked great! Cabbage leaves on the breast itself to east the pain/burn - also worked great. Apparently this is all the rage among new breastfeeding mothers for pain and other issues. Finally, my accupuncturist gave me a sauve of chinese herbs that took away the pain, the red, the swelling all in two days! She has also put me on a chinese herb called C/R support which is specially designed for people going through chemo or radiation. It helps with digestion, energy, body heat etc. It has been wonderful.
I have some big Dr. appointments coming up this week. I see Dr. Mary and back to the Dr. Panwella. I continue with my weekly physical therapy appointments, accupuncture and yoga 3/week. I am feeling healthy and doing great. Slowly moving back to my new "normal".
The Dr. did finally give me permission to fly - so Greg and I are going to visit Jessica at the end of the month in South Dakota. I guess it isn't good to fly during or soon after radiation because of the air pressure and radiation still in your body and having had so many lymph nodes removed.
I will update again next week after my doctor appointments. My big angst now is "Tomoxifan or no Tomoxifan?" I don't want to do it.
More to come......
Love, June
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Radiation Reflections
Probably the most asked question - what is it like, how does it feel, how does it make you feel?
First - I am so totally grateful that I did NOT have to do chemo that Radiation seems like a breeze. I know it is much bigger than I am letting it be - but for right now - that works for me.
Radiation doesn't hurt - it's like getting an X-ray. I had a big appointment before I started when I got the tatoo marks for levelling me on the table etc. They made a "pillow" just for me. I lay down put my arms above me head and formed a pillow to my body. Now everyday I go in, I lay down on the table with MY pillow. 3-4 Technicians pull my cotton gown off of me and make sure I am in the correct position to be in for treatment.
Just when I think I am going to "freak out" at the thought of having radiation bolted into me - it's over! I am usually in and out in about 20 minutes with the actual "treatment" being about 4-5 minutes. They treat me from 4 different angles. I'm just starting to feel a little "burned" on my upper back shoulder - but my skin is doing fine right now. Monday through Friday - every day at 2:15 is starting to get old - but that may be my own control issues trying to creep in.
Monday is the day they like you to talk to the Nutrionist after treatment.
Tuesday is a normal day and I am in and out.
Wednesday is x-ray day so they can make sure I am always being zapped in the right spots - you know, if they are off a little bit - the radiation could get my heart or lung, so this is important to always be checking my position/marks because of the swelling etc.
Thursday is the day they like you to visit with the "Cancer Counselor" - of boy! Week one she tried to sell me on "cancer support groups" and she had no idea what she was getting in me. Week 2 I blew her off and said I was FINE - those of you in 12=step programs know what that means. Week three I actually spent time talking with Wendy the Social Worker and she is very nice - I'm just not ready to do a "group thing". I do still see my own counselor - so please no comments on how important therapy is - I get that.
Friday is Dr. day. After treatment I actually see Dr. Panwella and she checks me out and my skin etc. It is nice to have some time with just her.
This coming week they are adding Physical Therpay to my schedule and then Accupuncture. My life has become a series of appointments!
This whole process is more of an emotional journey for me than a physical one right now. I am loving my yoga classes and some great mediation CD's from a new friend specifically for relaxation and one for Radiation therapy.
I feel like I'm doing right what I suppose to do. 36 days of Lent remain and once again this year, I find myself on this journey of 40 days REALLY REALLY walking with Jesus and trying to understand his pain.
Today, Life is good!
Love, June
First - I am so totally grateful that I did NOT have to do chemo that Radiation seems like a breeze. I know it is much bigger than I am letting it be - but for right now - that works for me.
Radiation doesn't hurt - it's like getting an X-ray. I had a big appointment before I started when I got the tatoo marks for levelling me on the table etc. They made a "pillow" just for me. I lay down put my arms above me head and formed a pillow to my body. Now everyday I go in, I lay down on the table with MY pillow. 3-4 Technicians pull my cotton gown off of me and make sure I am in the correct position to be in for treatment.
Just when I think I am going to "freak out" at the thought of having radiation bolted into me - it's over! I am usually in and out in about 20 minutes with the actual "treatment" being about 4-5 minutes. They treat me from 4 different angles. I'm just starting to feel a little "burned" on my upper back shoulder - but my skin is doing fine right now. Monday through Friday - every day at 2:15 is starting to get old - but that may be my own control issues trying to creep in.
Monday is the day they like you to talk to the Nutrionist after treatment.
Tuesday is a normal day and I am in and out.
Wednesday is x-ray day so they can make sure I am always being zapped in the right spots - you know, if they are off a little bit - the radiation could get my heart or lung, so this is important to always be checking my position/marks because of the swelling etc.
Thursday is the day they like you to visit with the "Cancer Counselor" - of boy! Week one she tried to sell me on "cancer support groups" and she had no idea what she was getting in me. Week 2 I blew her off and said I was FINE - those of you in 12=step programs know what that means. Week three I actually spent time talking with Wendy the Social Worker and she is very nice - I'm just not ready to do a "group thing". I do still see my own counselor - so please no comments on how important therapy is - I get that.
Friday is Dr. day. After treatment I actually see Dr. Panwella and she checks me out and my skin etc. It is nice to have some time with just her.
This coming week they are adding Physical Therpay to my schedule and then Accupuncture. My life has become a series of appointments!
This whole process is more of an emotional journey for me than a physical one right now. I am loving my yoga classes and some great mediation CD's from a new friend specifically for relaxation and one for Radiation therapy.
I feel like I'm doing right what I suppose to do. 36 days of Lent remain and once again this year, I find myself on this journey of 40 days REALLY REALLY walking with Jesus and trying to understand his pain.
Today, Life is good!
Love, June
Monday, February 1, 2010
Hip Hip Hooray - NO Chemo Today!
Greg, Mom and I Met with Oncologist - Dr. Seligman. He was so happy to tell me that my Oncotype DX Test results came back with good news. My scores were in mid-range but reflected that chemo was not needed and I would not gain any benefit from chemo- so I can move right on to Radiation Therapy.
He compares cancer to cats - some have a pussy cat and some have a tiger. I am so lucky to have the pussy cat! He is a unique man - strange but talented - spent a LOT of my appointment flirting with my mom! And I found out he has no tatoos -but his father did and so does his daughter. He likes Janice Joplin and he really likes Bob Dylans song "up north girl" but prefers Johnny Cash singing it. Said insanity skips a generation in his family. I don't need to see him again for 6 months - I told him he would miss me waiting that long and he totally agreed.
I start Radiation Therapy tomorrow morning (2/2/10). I will go everyday Monday through Friday for 6-1/2 weeks. I am only 1 mile from the Radiation clinic -so I am going to walk. I don't know what time my daily appointment will be - but tomorrow that will get set up.
After Radiation I will be on Tamoxifan for 5 years unless I go through menapouse during that time and he will change the drug. I asked how I will know when/if that happens and he told me to ask my mother!
Oh well - I am grateful for answered prayers. Amazing what happens when you REALLY give it to God. Just when I decide to follow the dr I get great news! I love life and even being reminded that I am not in charge.
He compares cancer to cats - some have a pussy cat and some have a tiger. I am so lucky to have the pussy cat! He is a unique man - strange but talented - spent a LOT of my appointment flirting with my mom! And I found out he has no tatoos -but his father did and so does his daughter. He likes Janice Joplin and he really likes Bob Dylans song "up north girl" but prefers Johnny Cash singing it. Said insanity skips a generation in his family. I don't need to see him again for 6 months - I told him he would miss me waiting that long and he totally agreed.
I start Radiation Therapy tomorrow morning (2/2/10). I will go everyday Monday through Friday for 6-1/2 weeks. I am only 1 mile from the Radiation clinic -so I am going to walk. I don't know what time my daily appointment will be - but tomorrow that will get set up.
After Radiation I will be on Tamoxifan for 5 years unless I go through menapouse during that time and he will change the drug. I asked how I will know when/if that happens and he told me to ask my mother!
Oh well - I am grateful for answered prayers. Amazing what happens when you REALLY give it to God. Just when I decide to follow the dr I get great news! I love life and even being reminded that I am not in charge.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Radiation Oncologist Tomorrow!
I meet with Dr. Panwella tomorrow to have my pre-radiation appointment. This is when I will be tatooed with the marks for radiation. This is my way of "thinking positive" that I won't get a report that I must do chemo. Maybe denial - but I choose positive thinking instead.
When I return to the Oncologist on February 1st - if I need chemo, I will have to re-do this appointment with Radiation Oncologist in several months when I finish chemo and have recovered. If I DO NOT need chemo - then I am ready to start that week.
Either way - I will make it! There are so many praying for and with me I cant NOT make it!
TIP Training has taken much of my time the last 2 weeks - so it has been a great distraction with a good class. The last 30 days really seemed to fly by and I have had time to obsess about what is ahead for me.
Mom arrives on Saturday to be here for the big "reveal"aapointment. It will be nice to have her here for a whole week! Doesn't matter how old you get - you still want your mom there to help you through the tough times and to celebrate the good ones. Thank GOD for moms!
Thanks for your thoughts and prayers - keep them coming!
Much Love,
June
When I return to the Oncologist on February 1st - if I need chemo, I will have to re-do this appointment with Radiation Oncologist in several months when I finish chemo and have recovered. If I DO NOT need chemo - then I am ready to start that week.
Either way - I will make it! There are so many praying for and with me I cant NOT make it!
TIP Training has taken much of my time the last 2 weeks - so it has been a great distraction with a good class. The last 30 days really seemed to fly by and I have had time to obsess about what is ahead for me.
Mom arrives on Saturday to be here for the big "reveal"aapointment. It will be nice to have her here for a whole week! Doesn't matter how old you get - you still want your mom there to help you through the tough times and to celebrate the good ones. Thank GOD for moms!
Thanks for your thoughts and prayers - keep them coming!
Much Love,
June
Monday, January 4, 2010
Do Chemo or NO Chemo - That is the Question!
Greg and I met with Dr. Seligman and his PA Lisa Radcliff this morning.
Once again I found myself thinking that this would be the appointment that answered all the questions and finalized "the plan". Not so!
Dr. Seligman strongly encouraged me (us) to authorize the Oncotype DX Test which is a DNA test of my tumor. This will give him an answer to the Chemo or NO Chemo question. As I understand it - before this test was available, I would of been set up on a chemo schedule at today's appointment. Now, this test is available and allows science to take over the answer the question "Will June benefit from chemo?". If there is a chance that chemo will not benefit me then he doesn't want to put me through it. That is all good news for me. However, the bad news is that this test takes 3 weeks to process. Ughhh!
So - when I go back to see him on February 1st, he will either say yes - the test agrees that you need chemo. Then I will have the port put in that day and start chemo that week. OR---he will say that the results of the test indicate that chemo is not a benefit and I will start my 6 weeks of radiation that week.
Either way I feel like I am being "taken care of" and that feels good. Maybe I don't need chemo or maybe I am being given some "time" to get use to the idea. It was much more emotional to see the chemo floor and talk with him than I anticipated it would be. I don't know what it is suppose to "feel" like - but I do know that it "feels" like I have been doing this for a long time already.
More to come!
June
Once again I found myself thinking that this would be the appointment that answered all the questions and finalized "the plan". Not so!
Dr. Seligman strongly encouraged me (us) to authorize the Oncotype DX Test which is a DNA test of my tumor. This will give him an answer to the Chemo or NO Chemo question. As I understand it - before this test was available, I would of been set up on a chemo schedule at today's appointment. Now, this test is available and allows science to take over the answer the question "Will June benefit from chemo?". If there is a chance that chemo will not benefit me then he doesn't want to put me through it. That is all good news for me. However, the bad news is that this test takes 3 weeks to process. Ughhh!
So - when I go back to see him on February 1st, he will either say yes - the test agrees that you need chemo. Then I will have the port put in that day and start chemo that week. OR---he will say that the results of the test indicate that chemo is not a benefit and I will start my 6 weeks of radiation that week.
Either way I feel like I am being "taken care of" and that feels good. Maybe I don't need chemo or maybe I am being given some "time" to get use to the idea. It was much more emotional to see the chemo floor and talk with him than I anticipated it would be. I don't know what it is suppose to "feel" like - but I do know that it "feels" like I have been doing this for a long time already.
More to come!
June
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Merry Christmas - Indeed!!!
Surgery went very well yesterday (12/23). I am home and feeling good. Dr. Mary just called and said that my pathology reports where coming in as she was leaving so she called to give me my christmas present.
It was a good idea to agree to an additional surgery to get better margins because when she got in there she found another very small tumor - couldn't feel it but it showed up in pathology. The good news is that this tumor was removed and we have ALL CLEAR margins!!! Yipee.
So now phase one is complete and I am off to see the Oncologist on January 4th. This appointment got moved from the 28th.
I am happy, feeling good and so very grateful for my family, all of you and the many many prayers that surround me!
Merry Christmas and Blessings to each of you!
June
It was a good idea to agree to an additional surgery to get better margins because when she got in there she found another very small tumor - couldn't feel it but it showed up in pathology. The good news is that this tumor was removed and we have ALL CLEAR margins!!! Yipee.
So now phase one is complete and I am off to see the Oncologist on January 4th. This appointment got moved from the 28th.
I am happy, feeling good and so very grateful for my family, all of you and the many many prayers that surround me!
Merry Christmas and Blessings to each of you!
June
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