Psalm 41:3 The Lord will sustain him on his sickbed and restore him from his bed of illness.
Yesterday afternoon, I planted some bulbs in my garden for a friend who moved here but is in a rent house and not sure if they will stay there. After planting the bulbs, I went walking with my neighbor. I just don't have the stamina that I once had. I do okay walking in the morning when I just got out of bed, but doing it in the afternoon was very tough. I did it though and when I got home, I collapsed in a chair--I was so exhausted. I felt so stiff and my joints were hurting. Well, I felt warm so for some reason, I took my temp and was surprised to find that I had 100.5. No other symptoms....weird. I think my joints were hurting due to the fever. During the night, I had diarrhea----oh, that is why I had fever. Intestinal bug. Christopher had it last week so probably got it from him. I don't think he ran fever but each person is different. I am feeling some better this morning. Thanks for your prayers.......
Psalm 30:2 O Lord my God, I called to you for help and you healed me.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Doctor's visit
Psalm 105:4 Look to the Lord and His strength; seek his face always.
I saw my primary care doctor today. The reason I had to go to begin with was that when she did the pap smear in January, there wasn't enough substance to be tested. She said it might happen again because I am on Arimidex which is an anti-estrogen medication. This causes dryness. She said that the chemo may have caused the problems back in January. If it doesn't work this time, she said we'll try again in a year. I told her that there was an OB/gyn dr. who came to our breast cancer support group and said that if you have had a hysterectomy, that pap smears are not needed anymore. I asked my doctor what she thought and she disagreed and believes women still need to have a pap smear every year.
I asked her too about the rash under my breasts. She looked at it and thought maybe it was from the sweating that I get from hot flashes. Could be a fungus but since the hydrocortizone worked, she didn't think it was fungal. She suggested I use powder like baby powder. Kinda of weird since I've been sweating for about a year and never had this problem but who knows....
Today I decided to go back and copy my blog posts so I can keep a record of all I've written like in a notebook to remind me about my journey. All I got done was April which seems alot and there is so much more!!! There will come a time soon when this journey will be over and I won't be writing on this blog. So sad to know that you all won't be reading this but so happy that my cancer journey is ending. But not yet......thanks for your prayers.
I John 5:14-15 This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us--whatever we ask --we know that we have what we asked of him.
I saw my primary care doctor today. The reason I had to go to begin with was that when she did the pap smear in January, there wasn't enough substance to be tested. She said it might happen again because I am on Arimidex which is an anti-estrogen medication. This causes dryness. She said that the chemo may have caused the problems back in January. If it doesn't work this time, she said we'll try again in a year. I told her that there was an OB/gyn dr. who came to our breast cancer support group and said that if you have had a hysterectomy, that pap smears are not needed anymore. I asked my doctor what she thought and she disagreed and believes women still need to have a pap smear every year.
I asked her too about the rash under my breasts. She looked at it and thought maybe it was from the sweating that I get from hot flashes. Could be a fungus but since the hydrocortizone worked, she didn't think it was fungal. She suggested I use powder like baby powder. Kinda of weird since I've been sweating for about a year and never had this problem but who knows....
Today I decided to go back and copy my blog posts so I can keep a record of all I've written like in a notebook to remind me about my journey. All I got done was April which seems alot and there is so much more!!! There will come a time soon when this journey will be over and I won't be writing on this blog. So sad to know that you all won't be reading this but so happy that my cancer journey is ending. But not yet......thanks for your prayers.
I John 5:14-15 This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us--whatever we ask --we know that we have what we asked of him.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Herceptin and rash
Philippians 4:19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the glorious riches of Christ Jesus
My rash is looking better--light pink. However, it has spread to my other breast (underneath) but just one side of it. It doesn't bother me. I will be seeing my primary care dr. on Wednesday so will ask her what she thinks. I have been so tired lately but could be just a lack of sleep.
I had Herceptin today. There was a new pharamicst and she labeled my bag of Herceptin to be infused within an hour and my nurse didn't notice that is was slower than previously given. Usually they infuse it within 30 minutes. She apologized several times but it was okay---I was so tired that I took a nap there. :)
I keep a record of what each procedure, doctor visit, treatment, etc cost and how much insurance paid and how much we pay. The other day I was recording these amounts for I was quite behind in recording. I decided to add how much everything cost for 2009. However, I forgot to add in the whole bill of the radiation center in our town but did add how much we should have paid (which was over $17.000). Anyway, the amount was so much more than I expected---over $152.000!!!! I am so happy that we have a pretty good insurance company. Everytime I have Herceptin, it costs about $16.000!!! It won't be long before I am covered 100%. I know my husband will be glad when all my treatments are over so we won't have to hand out so much money for medical bills. It makes me understand better why there are so many fundrasiers for people who have cancer especially when they are not insured. Very expensive!!! Thanks for your care, love, and prayers.
Matthew 6:25, 33 Don't worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
My rash is looking better--light pink. However, it has spread to my other breast (underneath) but just one side of it. It doesn't bother me. I will be seeing my primary care dr. on Wednesday so will ask her what she thinks. I have been so tired lately but could be just a lack of sleep.
I had Herceptin today. There was a new pharamicst and she labeled my bag of Herceptin to be infused within an hour and my nurse didn't notice that is was slower than previously given. Usually they infuse it within 30 minutes. She apologized several times but it was okay---I was so tired that I took a nap there. :)
I keep a record of what each procedure, doctor visit, treatment, etc cost and how much insurance paid and how much we pay. The other day I was recording these amounts for I was quite behind in recording. I decided to add how much everything cost for 2009. However, I forgot to add in the whole bill of the radiation center in our town but did add how much we should have paid (which was over $17.000). Anyway, the amount was so much more than I expected---over $152.000!!!! I am so happy that we have a pretty good insurance company. Everytime I have Herceptin, it costs about $16.000!!! It won't be long before I am covered 100%. I know my husband will be glad when all my treatments are over so we won't have to hand out so much money for medical bills. It makes me understand better why there are so many fundrasiers for people who have cancer especially when they are not insured. Very expensive!!! Thanks for your care, love, and prayers.
Matthew 6:25, 33 Don't worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
picture
I tried to get this on my other post but for some reason couldn't do it. This is how my hair looks now. Like a boy's. :) It will grow. Just need patience. sigh......
Rash
Psalm 28:7 The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him and I am helped.
This morning I was working in the kitchen and my bra was really bothering me which is unusual. I went to check it out and I had a very red nasty looking rash under my breast (the one that had cancer). It's on the breast and skin under it (I am big breasted). I have no idea what caused it or when it started but it was the first I noticed. I had even taken a shower earlier and didn't notice anything. And of course, it's a Sat. so really can't call the doctor. Larry, my husband, had some prescription hydrocortisone so I used it which took away the pain but it's still there. I am to see my primary care doctor on Wednesday so if it's still around, at least she can take a look at it. I have not used any new products and there is no rash under the other breast. Weird.
I worked outside today (beautiful weather) and didn't wear any hat or turban. Felt good to work without anything on my head. I do believe the hair on my legs grow faster than on my head. lol. I had so much outside work that should have been done back in the fall but I was taking chemo then and just didn't feel like doing it. Glad I have the energy to do it today but I am pretty tired now. Just pray that this rash is nothing and goes away soon. Thanks for your prayers.
Psalm 91:1-2 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty . I will say of the Lord, he is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.
This morning I was working in the kitchen and my bra was really bothering me which is unusual. I went to check it out and I had a very red nasty looking rash under my breast (the one that had cancer). It's on the breast and skin under it (I am big breasted). I have no idea what caused it or when it started but it was the first I noticed. I had even taken a shower earlier and didn't notice anything. And of course, it's a Sat. so really can't call the doctor. Larry, my husband, had some prescription hydrocortisone so I used it which took away the pain but it's still there. I am to see my primary care doctor on Wednesday so if it's still around, at least she can take a look at it. I have not used any new products and there is no rash under the other breast. Weird.
I worked outside today (beautiful weather) and didn't wear any hat or turban. Felt good to work without anything on my head. I do believe the hair on my legs grow faster than on my head. lol. I had so much outside work that should have been done back in the fall but I was taking chemo then and just didn't feel like doing it. Glad I have the energy to do it today but I am pretty tired now. Just pray that this rash is nothing and goes away soon. Thanks for your prayers.
Psalm 91:1-2 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty . I will say of the Lord, he is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
hot flashes
Matthew 11: 28-29 Come me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, fior I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
My main problem is hot flashes. I seem to get them the most at night. I am taking medication to curb the hot flashes and it was working pretty well until I started the Arimidex and that is a big side effect. I seem to have 2-3 hot flashes a night and when I get them, boy am I hot. They will wake me up and that is probably why I'm so tired these days. Oh, well.....could be worse. At least the medicaton keeps me from having tons of hot flashes. It's really hard in the winter time for I am so cold-natured and like lots of blankets on me so when a hot flash occurs, I have to whip those blankets off which can be hard at times when I have several cats sleeping around me. lol. Poor cats!!! :)
I have blood work to be done tomorrow. One of the tests will be the cancer marker, I believe. Or maybe I get that one done when I see the doctor and I'm not seeing the dr. on Monday but just getting the Herceptin. I received my last card from my chemo angel and a sweet gift ( a pink heart that hangs up on the wall) that she made for the chemo angel organization told her that I am done with chemo. I will miss receiving her sweet and creative cards. I hope she gets a new person to send those cards to. She has been such a great encourager. Thanks AnnMarie!!! Thanks to you all for your prayers. A friend from high school has a sister just diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer. He set up a facebook page for her called "Prayers for Paula" so I've been sending her verses that helped me through my cancer journey. I also told her how so many people prayed for me and I truly believe that is why things weren't too bad for me. God does hear and He is a great and mighty God!!!
James 5:15-16 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. Therefore, confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
My main problem is hot flashes. I seem to get them the most at night. I am taking medication to curb the hot flashes and it was working pretty well until I started the Arimidex and that is a big side effect. I seem to have 2-3 hot flashes a night and when I get them, boy am I hot. They will wake me up and that is probably why I'm so tired these days. Oh, well.....could be worse. At least the medicaton keeps me from having tons of hot flashes. It's really hard in the winter time for I am so cold-natured and like lots of blankets on me so when a hot flash occurs, I have to whip those blankets off which can be hard at times when I have several cats sleeping around me. lol. Poor cats!!! :)
I have blood work to be done tomorrow. One of the tests will be the cancer marker, I believe. Or maybe I get that one done when I see the doctor and I'm not seeing the dr. on Monday but just getting the Herceptin. I received my last card from my chemo angel and a sweet gift ( a pink heart that hangs up on the wall) that she made for the chemo angel organization told her that I am done with chemo. I will miss receiving her sweet and creative cards. I hope she gets a new person to send those cards to. She has been such a great encourager. Thanks AnnMarie!!! Thanks to you all for your prayers. A friend from high school has a sister just diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer. He set up a facebook page for her called "Prayers for Paula" so I've been sending her verses that helped me through my cancer journey. I also told her how so many people prayed for me and I truly believe that is why things weren't too bad for me. God does hear and He is a great and mighty God!!!
James 5:15-16 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. Therefore, confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Coumadin check
Psalm 138:8 The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O Lord, endures forever--do not abandon the works of your hands.
I went in today for a coumadin check and finally the results were normal. The last 2 checks the results were too high. I hope it stays normal from now on. :) I will be going back in 3 weeks instead of 2 weeks. I am feeling pretty good these days. Just a little stiffness at times but no side effects from the new medication that I can tell. Praise the Lord!!! I don't sleep well at night so am tired during the day. I have blood work this Friday then Hercepting infusion next Monday. Other than that, it's a slow week medical wise. Thanks again for all your prayers. I am considering becoming a chemo angel soon. I sure appreciated my chemo angels. AnnMarie, if you read this--thanks for the cards you continue to send. You are so sweet. I will write you soon. My hair is slowly growing. I am afraid that I will have to quit wearing my wig soon since it's so short and my hair is going to start showing. It's short and looks like a boys haircut. lol. When it's warmer it won't bother me so much. I will have someone take a picture of my "short hairstyle" so you can see. My son says my ears are too big to show it off....oh, well....that is the way God created me. :) Have a great day. Love you all.....
Psalm 139:13-14 For you created my inmost being, you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made: your works are wonderful., I know that full well.
I went in today for a coumadin check and finally the results were normal. The last 2 checks the results were too high. I hope it stays normal from now on. :) I will be going back in 3 weeks instead of 2 weeks. I am feeling pretty good these days. Just a little stiffness at times but no side effects from the new medication that I can tell. Praise the Lord!!! I don't sleep well at night so am tired during the day. I have blood work this Friday then Hercepting infusion next Monday. Other than that, it's a slow week medical wise. Thanks again for all your prayers. I am considering becoming a chemo angel soon. I sure appreciated my chemo angels. AnnMarie, if you read this--thanks for the cards you continue to send. You are so sweet. I will write you soon. My hair is slowly growing. I am afraid that I will have to quit wearing my wig soon since it's so short and my hair is going to start showing. It's short and looks like a boys haircut. lol. When it's warmer it won't bother me so much. I will have someone take a picture of my "short hairstyle" so you can see. My son says my ears are too big to show it off....oh, well....that is the way God created me. :) Have a great day. Love you all.....
Psalm 139:13-14 For you created my inmost being, you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made: your works are wonderful., I know that full well.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Thankful
Colossians 3:15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as memebers of one body, you were called to peace. And be thankful.
I've been reflecting on what has happened the past year especially in my family. Three members of my family was diagnosed with cancer. Hardly anyone in the past had cancer then boom, suddenly, we were getting cancer. It all started with my aunt (my mother's sister) who had breast cancer then it came back and she died in Nov. 2008. I was diagnosed with breast cancer in March 2009. My uncle (my mother's brother) was diagnosed with throat cancer , I believe in the early summer of 2009. My brother-in-law was daignosed with prostate cancer in Aug. 2009. Wow!!! However, we are done with our surgeries, chemo, and radiation and we are all doing well. (My brother-in-law only had surgery) Praise God!!! He is so good. It was a scary and hard year especially for my mother but we are all breathing a sigh of relief now. I know for myself that this past year was a year of having to really trust God with everything. He was there for me and still is with me. I had alot of support from my family and neighbors but not always the support from others that I would have liked but that's okay. God provided all I needed. There would be people who I never expected to be helpful and supportive.
Also, I've been thinking how you never know when someone is going to be snatched away from you unexpectantly or you yourself never know when you will die. A young woman I know didn't wake up on Sunday morning. She was only 30 years old with 2 children, 12 and 2 years old. No one had an idea that this could happen. They dont' know yet why this has happened but it did. So sad....but it just shows us that our life is in God's hands and it can be taken up to heaven anytime. So, I want to be thankful for the time I have here and thankful for my family and friends. Let's be thankful today and every day for the rest of our lives. Tell someone today that you are glad they are here and that you love them. :)
I am feeling pretty good these days. No new side effects. Just waiting and waiting for my hair to grow. I will feel so much better when I feel comfortable to not wear a wig or hat. It will happen someday. Thanks for your love and prayers.
I Thessalonians 1:2 We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers.
I've been reflecting on what has happened the past year especially in my family. Three members of my family was diagnosed with cancer. Hardly anyone in the past had cancer then boom, suddenly, we were getting cancer. It all started with my aunt (my mother's sister) who had breast cancer then it came back and she died in Nov. 2008. I was diagnosed with breast cancer in March 2009. My uncle (my mother's brother) was diagnosed with throat cancer , I believe in the early summer of 2009. My brother-in-law was daignosed with prostate cancer in Aug. 2009. Wow!!! However, we are done with our surgeries, chemo, and radiation and we are all doing well. (My brother-in-law only had surgery) Praise God!!! He is so good. It was a scary and hard year especially for my mother but we are all breathing a sigh of relief now. I know for myself that this past year was a year of having to really trust God with everything. He was there for me and still is with me. I had alot of support from my family and neighbors but not always the support from others that I would have liked but that's okay. God provided all I needed. There would be people who I never expected to be helpful and supportive.
Also, I've been thinking how you never know when someone is going to be snatched away from you unexpectantly or you yourself never know when you will die. A young woman I know didn't wake up on Sunday morning. She was only 30 years old with 2 children, 12 and 2 years old. No one had an idea that this could happen. They dont' know yet why this has happened but it did. So sad....but it just shows us that our life is in God's hands and it can be taken up to heaven anytime. So, I want to be thankful for the time I have here and thankful for my family and friends. Let's be thankful today and every day for the rest of our lives. Tell someone today that you are glad they are here and that you love them. :)
I am feeling pretty good these days. No new side effects. Just waiting and waiting for my hair to grow. I will feel so much better when I feel comfortable to not wear a wig or hat. It will happen someday. Thanks for your love and prayers.
I Thessalonians 1:2 We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Cards
Psalm 9:10 Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.
Thanks for your prayers about my new medication. I've not had any side effects so far. I had that headache one day but not again so it may have had nothing to do with the medication. God is so good!!!! I was involved with an organization called 'Chemo Angel' where they send encouragment through cards and gifts while you are taking chemo. I had 2 wonderful chemo angels and one still sends me cards that she creatively makes. Well, the past few days I've been receiveing lots of birthday cards from different chemo angels all over the United States like from New York to California. I had no idea that was going to happen so it so amazing all the cards I am receiving. How sweet. One 'angel' called herself 'special assignment angel' so maybe there are angels out there just sending birthday cards. It is so nice to receive more encouragement anytime. Have a great week. I have no medical appointments this week--amazing!!!!
Hebrews 3:13 But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sins deceitfulness.
Thanks for your prayers about my new medication. I've not had any side effects so far. I had that headache one day but not again so it may have had nothing to do with the medication. God is so good!!!! I was involved with an organization called 'Chemo Angel' where they send encouragment through cards and gifts while you are taking chemo. I had 2 wonderful chemo angels and one still sends me cards that she creatively makes. Well, the past few days I've been receiveing lots of birthday cards from different chemo angels all over the United States like from New York to California. I had no idea that was going to happen so it so amazing all the cards I am receiving. How sweet. One 'angel' called herself 'special assignment angel' so maybe there are angels out there just sending birthday cards. It is so nice to receive more encouragement anytime. Have a great week. I have no medical appointments this week--amazing!!!!
Hebrews 3:13 But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sins deceitfulness.
Friday, February 5, 2010
cancer markers
Matthew 11:28-30 Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
I've not had any more headaches but still at times have a pain or tenderness in my left breast. Have just a little stiffness--more so this morning than the previous days. But no real side effects from Arimidex yet. I am so glad. I know it's only been a few days so I have to wait to see for sure about the side effects.
Yesterday evening I went to the Survivor Sister meeting (our breast cancer support group) and my onocologist was the speaker. He talked about cancer markers that are tested by blood. I knew I was having this test performed and that my results were good but really didn't know what it all meant. It is not a diagnostic test but hopefully some day there will be one like the PSA is for prostate cancer. But what this test can show is: if your cancer is coming back, it can give clues. Each person's level is different so that is why it can't be a diagnostic test. So, it is used only for breast cancer (there are similar tests for other cancers) patients. He likes to test before treatments and then he will test again after treatments are complete. Then he will test each time you see him (usually 4 times a year when treatments are done until 5 years have gone by--then once a year) . What he looks for in the test is whether your level stays about the same and if it rises significantly, then that is a clue that something is going on. So, then other tests are performed like CT Scans, bone scans, etc. It was very interesting to me so I was happy that I went to the meeting. There is a younger lady who is a school teacher in a small town nearby that started her chemo a couple of weeks after me. She never wore wigs but always a hat. Yesterday she came in with nothing and her hair is just a bit longer than mine. She looked nice and everyone was complimenting her on her hair. I just don't think I look nice with such short hair yet. I have such big ears. lol. Would like for it to grow a bit longer. Our group is going to do a scrapbook to put in the cancer library where my onocologist's office is. We are each to do a page or more and give a testimony. I think I will tell about how the MRI was a lifesaving test for me and how I have the peace of God within me throughout this whole journey. I told the lady who is heading up the scrapbook, that I would help since I scrapbook myself. We might be working on it next month at our meeting. Sounds fun. Thanks for praying for me. I really have appreciated all the prayers and I believe that is why things have gone pretty well for me. Love you all......
Isaiah 58:8-9 Then your light will break froth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard. Then you will call , and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help and he will say: Here am I.
I've not had any more headaches but still at times have a pain or tenderness in my left breast. Have just a little stiffness--more so this morning than the previous days. But no real side effects from Arimidex yet. I am so glad. I know it's only been a few days so I have to wait to see for sure about the side effects.
Yesterday evening I went to the Survivor Sister meeting (our breast cancer support group) and my onocologist was the speaker. He talked about cancer markers that are tested by blood. I knew I was having this test performed and that my results were good but really didn't know what it all meant. It is not a diagnostic test but hopefully some day there will be one like the PSA is for prostate cancer. But what this test can show is: if your cancer is coming back, it can give clues. Each person's level is different so that is why it can't be a diagnostic test. So, it is used only for breast cancer (there are similar tests for other cancers) patients. He likes to test before treatments and then he will test again after treatments are complete. Then he will test each time you see him (usually 4 times a year when treatments are done until 5 years have gone by--then once a year) . What he looks for in the test is whether your level stays about the same and if it rises significantly, then that is a clue that something is going on. So, then other tests are performed like CT Scans, bone scans, etc. It was very interesting to me so I was happy that I went to the meeting. There is a younger lady who is a school teacher in a small town nearby that started her chemo a couple of weeks after me. She never wore wigs but always a hat. Yesterday she came in with nothing and her hair is just a bit longer than mine. She looked nice and everyone was complimenting her on her hair. I just don't think I look nice with such short hair yet. I have such big ears. lol. Would like for it to grow a bit longer. Our group is going to do a scrapbook to put in the cancer library where my onocologist's office is. We are each to do a page or more and give a testimony. I think I will tell about how the MRI was a lifesaving test for me and how I have the peace of God within me throughout this whole journey. I told the lady who is heading up the scrapbook, that I would help since I scrapbook myself. We might be working on it next month at our meeting. Sounds fun. Thanks for praying for me. I really have appreciated all the prayers and I believe that is why things have gone pretty well for me. Love you all......
Isaiah 58:8-9 Then your light will break froth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard. Then you will call , and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help and he will say: Here am I.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Side effects?
I Peter 5:7 Caat all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.
You are probably wondering if I am experiencing any side effects from Arimidex which I just started on Monday. Not much yet but I did have a terrible headache yesterday evening. I usually don't have headaches so wondering if this could be a side effect. Headaches is on the list for possible side effects. Also, I've been having alot of pain/tenderness in my left breast. Not sure why that started up. It's not as bad today so maybe it's going away. Pain is in the area of my incision and radiation area. I've not experienced pain there except after surgery and during radiation. Other than that, I'm okay. The nurse practioner told me that it takes time to see what the side effects will be. I'm praying that it will be very minimal.
While I was writing this, my onocologist's office called and they have scheduled me for a mammogram and bone density test. Will be done on March 30. The doctor told me that Arimidex does cause bone loss so I am to take calcium with Vit. D. I am already doing that knowing that chemo also caused bone loss and my primary doctor told me what dosages to take. My grandmother had osteoporosis really bad. I had a bone denisty test done at the chiropracter's office about 2 years ago and things looked good but so many things have happened since then so who knows what my future holds with my bones. But that is okay for I know that the Lord does know and He'll be with me in whatever happens. Thanks for your prayers. Have a great day. Love you......
Psalm 34:8 Taste and see that the Lord is good, blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.
You are probably wondering if I am experiencing any side effects from Arimidex which I just started on Monday. Not much yet but I did have a terrible headache yesterday evening. I usually don't have headaches so wondering if this could be a side effect. Headaches is on the list for possible side effects. Also, I've been having alot of pain/tenderness in my left breast. Not sure why that started up. It's not as bad today so maybe it's going away. Pain is in the area of my incision and radiation area. I've not experienced pain there except after surgery and during radiation. Other than that, I'm okay. The nurse practioner told me that it takes time to see what the side effects will be. I'm praying that it will be very minimal.
While I was writing this, my onocologist's office called and they have scheduled me for a mammogram and bone density test. Will be done on March 30. The doctor told me that Arimidex does cause bone loss so I am to take calcium with Vit. D. I am already doing that knowing that chemo also caused bone loss and my primary doctor told me what dosages to take. My grandmother had osteoporosis really bad. I had a bone denisty test done at the chiropracter's office about 2 years ago and things looked good but so many things have happened since then so who knows what my future holds with my bones. But that is okay for I know that the Lord does know and He'll be with me in whatever happens. Thanks for your prayers. Have a great day. Love you......
Psalm 34:8 Taste and see that the Lord is good, blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Doctor's visit
Psalm 37:3-4 Trust in the Lord and do good, dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in teh Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Today was a busy day. First I had my coumadin level checked. Last time it was high at 3.5 and this time it was even higher at 3.7. That means my blood is too thin. So they changed my dosage. I can't think of anything that I am doing that would make the level high. After that, I went to the onocologist--just down the hall. All my blood tests and echocardiogram (heart test) was good. No problems there. I asked him about the stiffness I am having. He said that chemo makes you age and it could be a type of arthritic problem. It might go away but if it doesn't, then he'll send me to an arthritis doctor. He started me on a new medication called Arimidex which keeps estrogen from being produced. Even though I don't have any ovaries, my body still produces some estrogen. This medication does have side effects and each person is different. He said that the most common side effect is bone pain (oh, great...along with my stiffness) and hot flashes. I am already taking medication for hot flashes so hoping that it will continue to help with the hot flashes. Other side effects are weight gain (please...no), headaches, dizziness, back pain, and a host of others. I took my first pill this afternoon. I will be taking this medication for 5 years so hoping it's not too bad.
After the doctor's visit, I had Herceptin which went well. I was really sleepy today so tried to take a little nap. It was pretty quiet except the nurses talking among themselves and just as I was falling asleep, a sweet lady comes bursting in with a loud "hello everyone" to bring goodies for the nurses. Oh, well...my medicaiton was just about done so needed to wake up. lol. Thanks for your prayers and just pray that the side effects won't be bad. I was just enjoying feeling good these days. Sigh.....:) Love you all......
Psalm 36: 5-7 Your love, O Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulnees to the skies. Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains , your justice like the great deep. O Lord, you preserve both man and beast. How priceless is your unfailing love! Both high and low among men find refuge in the shadow of your wings.
Today was a busy day. First I had my coumadin level checked. Last time it was high at 3.5 and this time it was even higher at 3.7. That means my blood is too thin. So they changed my dosage. I can't think of anything that I am doing that would make the level high. After that, I went to the onocologist--just down the hall. All my blood tests and echocardiogram (heart test) was good. No problems there. I asked him about the stiffness I am having. He said that chemo makes you age and it could be a type of arthritic problem. It might go away but if it doesn't, then he'll send me to an arthritis doctor. He started me on a new medication called Arimidex which keeps estrogen from being produced. Even though I don't have any ovaries, my body still produces some estrogen. This medication does have side effects and each person is different. He said that the most common side effect is bone pain (oh, great...along with my stiffness) and hot flashes. I am already taking medication for hot flashes so hoping that it will continue to help with the hot flashes. Other side effects are weight gain (please...no), headaches, dizziness, back pain, and a host of others. I took my first pill this afternoon. I will be taking this medication for 5 years so hoping it's not too bad.
After the doctor's visit, I had Herceptin which went well. I was really sleepy today so tried to take a little nap. It was pretty quiet except the nurses talking among themselves and just as I was falling asleep, a sweet lady comes bursting in with a loud "hello everyone" to bring goodies for the nurses. Oh, well...my medicaiton was just about done so needed to wake up. lol. Thanks for your prayers and just pray that the side effects won't be bad. I was just enjoying feeling good these days. Sigh.....:) Love you all......
Psalm 36: 5-7 Your love, O Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulnees to the skies. Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains , your justice like the great deep. O Lord, you preserve both man and beast. How priceless is your unfailing love! Both high and low among men find refuge in the shadow of your wings.
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