Returned To Work

February 20: I was cleared to return to work, 30 hours a week. This is very exciting as I am in desperate need of change. Although I am still in physical therapy for the lymphedemia, the majority of my other appointments will be every 3 months. I am on the track for wellness, now.

It has almost been a year since my cancer diagnosis and it has been a life changing year. Life is too short, live every day and enjoy it!

My Aunt was just diagnosed with breast cancer and it was not easy hearing this. Please continue to pray for those who will fight this disease. It's a cross we will carry the rest of our lives.

On a side note, I was selected and approved as a candidate for the upcoming trip to Lourdes, France. This is a spiritually healing trip for those who have been sick. Since 1987 my medical past has been complicated. I was very honored to be selected and am very excited for this experience.

Some Findings....

February 5: My MRI was last week and from an Orthopedic perspective, the report was negative. However, during her exam she hit trigger points on both hips and down both legs to the knee. Very painful! My Rheumatologist did not see the MRI but hit the same trigger points, as well.

I am still waiting to hear from the Oncologist and Study Drug Director with their findings.
A decision needs to be made soon on whether the study drug is in my best interest to continue. My next injection is scheduled for 2/15/12.

I have messages in with the Oncologist and Study Drug Director. I will reach out to them again this morning.

Waiting For Direction, But Not Really

January 25: My CT Scan report was great. There were no changes in the lesions on my lung or liver. There were no signs of fracture or arthritis in my hips. The pain my hips is perplexing. Dr. Garg asked that I followup February 1. This will allow him more time to research the chemo drugs I took and the meet with the researchers administering the Study Drug. I had hoped he would release me to return to work, but he is not comfortable with me moving forward until he understands the source of the problem. I should be receiving my MRI script later this week. In the meantime, I am being proactive. To get a different perspective, I have appointments with my Orthopedic and Rheumatologist this week. I am also using the internet to research, but this provides more negative stories than I want to read. My body has endured a lot and I believe getting another perspective may help. Honestly, I want to return to work and move forward. I am pushing forward, it just taking a little more time than I had hoped.

Looking Forward to a Healthy New Year!

I met with my Radiation and Medical Oncologists on Monday, January 9. My Radiation Oncologist was very pleased with my skin, 6 weeks after my last Radiation Treatment. Overall, she is very pleased with my physical condition. Dr. Young advised that I will continue to feel the fatigue from both the chemo and radiation. She advised the fatigue will likely stay with me until the end of this year. She encouraged me to continue to fight the fatigue with exercise and rest when my body needs to stop. My next appointment is January 2013- yay!

Dr. Garg, my Medical Oncologist, ordered a CT scan and X-Ray which were completed January 13. The CT scan was ordered to look at the lesions on my lung and liver which were initially picked up on the PET scan in March 2011. These lesions were from my Valley Fever diagnosis in 2012. He wants to be sure that the cancer treatments did not create a change. Since early Decemeber, I have been having daily pain in my hips and is extremely painful in the evening. The CT scan and X-Ray will provide Dr. Garg with the visuals needed. He said said this could be the continuing side effect from chemo and possibly from the study drug. I hope to have the results today. Other than that, my Bloodwork was very good.

I was denied another PET scan. After 10 months of treatment, it would be nice to know a scan could be completed showing that I am cancer free. I learned that our bodies fight cancer cells daily. In my case, the chemo and radiation are still fighting so the scan would likely result in a false-positive. So, I need to continue to fight and keep my faith strong.

I am hoping to return to work very soon. I am waiting to hear from Dr. Garg and ready to move forward.

Radiation Over

My 33 Radiation Treatments ended November 28 with tears of joy! Overall, I am still tired and experiencing bone pain in my hips. My physical therapy continues as do have a pocket of swelling they are trying to keep under control. My follow-up appointments with my Oncologists, (Radiation and Medical) are scheduled for January 9. Ideally, I would like to have orders for a PET scan to ease my mind that all the cancer is gone. After 9 months of treatments, I would like the comfort knowing I am cancer free so I can move forward and finally put this behind me.

Blessings to all for a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Radiation

October 20: Today, I will have my 9th Radiation treatment. So far, so good. Every day I come home from treatment, I check off one more day closer to being finished.

Overall, I am very tired. I believe this has been the results of the cumulative chemo, not the Radiation, yet. I was also "knocked down" with an upper respiratory infection. The doctor cautioned me that it may take some time to shake given my immune system.

Walk for the Cure - Sunday, October 23

It's not to late to register for the Susan G. Komen, Walk For The Cure. The money raised really supports a great cause and the majority of the funds for this race remain in Maryland. It will be great walking weather. Please join Team MC and let's continue the fight the disease and find a cure!