Hi there.....

So kind of you to stop by....I do enjoy the company.

Saturday, March 30, 2019

One down, three to go.  I've made it through the first week.  My upper arm is still numb and I suspect it's going to stay that way until this is all over.  Since my chiropractor is away until the end of next week I plan on having at least two more massages as the one I had did help.  I bought some CBD oil and some CBD salve with menthol and camphor.  Both also help.  The treatments would be a breeze if it weren't for the shoulder.  Something tells me that it's going to have to get looked at after the treatments.  Meanwhile I'm going to tough it out and get through this.

Wednesday, March 27, 2019

Yesterday

Yesterday was not fun.  Because I couldn't do the first session Monday it had to be done, as well as the treatment, yesterday.  It was long, at least to me.  At the end my right arm was even more numb and I had trouble moving it in certain ways.  And no, they can't cushion it any more than it is because then we'd have to do the mapping and everything all over.  I'll deal with it.  I went to my friend's house afterward and she put some CBD salve on my back where I can't reach.  It helped.  I'll be going to the local shop to get my own.  I might get some tea as well.  I'm seeing the chiropractor this morning and that will help too.  I may just start seeing him every day.  I also see a massage therapist in my future.  This is only the first week.  The sessions should be much shorter now that all the mapping, etc. has been done.  I will make it through.

Tuesday, March 26, 2019

Yesterday was supposed to be the first radiation treatment.  It didn't happen.  It didn't happen because my upper right arm started to hurt right away.  And when I say hurt I mean HURT.  It was that way at the end of the CT scans last week.  I should have known it would happen yesterday.  Partly my fault as I forgot to take Tylenol an hour or so before yesterday's session was to begin.  Today I'm prepared that come hell or high water I will get through the session.  I believe it has something to do with my shoulder...maybe.  Then again it was the upper arm muscle that was screaming not the shoulder joint. At any rate, I did a little practicing of holding my arm in the right position (as best as I could recreate).  Hopefully doing that and taking the Tylenol will help make treatment happen today and the rest of the week, and next week, and the next week, and the next.  It has to happen.  Wish me luck.

Monday, March 18, 2019

A new adventure

Today I start a new adventure.....radiation.  I go to have CT scans so that the positioning markers can be put on.  Am I scared?  I don't know.  Maybe a little. It's definitely an unknown.  My half sister didn't help when she told me about her mother losing her left arm because somehow blood vessels in that arm had been hit by radiation causing the arm to literally die due to lack of circulation.  I don't think they did the tattoo thing back then.  Also there's no reason for the underarm to be targeted since on 2 lymph nodes were removed.  At least I don't think so.  Keeping my fingers crossed.

Saturday, March 16, 2019

Update

Wednesday I met with the Radiation Oncologist.  After reviewing the records and examining me he explained what the treatment would be.  If I chose not to do the treatment the chance of the cancer returning was a minimum of 20%.  I go in Monday for the positioning CT scans.  Then it's 5 days a week for 4 weeks and that's the short course. Thursday I met with the surgeon who was pleased with the healing progress.  I see her again in November when I will get a mammogram and ultrasound.  Yesterday I met with the Oncologist who, after going over all the test results, etc. let me know that, because the cancer "DNA" was on the low/intermediate scale I would not need chemo.  I go back to see him in 3 months.  So there you have it.  Needless to say I am happy about not having to have chemo.

Sunday, March 3, 2019

Maybe, maybe not

It used to be that if a breast tumor was 1.75cm it was automatic chemo.  Mine was 2.5cm.  Nowadays, though, the tumor's "DNA" is looked at.  So, even though the perimeter around the tumor was "clean" there's still a possibility of chemo.  Will find out maybe the 14th or 15th.
Yesterday I waded through the 6 page medical history sheets the oncologist's office wanted filled out.
Had to type up a couple of sections on a separate piece of paper to attach since there wasn't enough room on the form.  My age means I have a more extensive history I guess.  Only 4 lines for medications (and supplements).  Really?!  Even had to root through some medical records I happened to save from oh so many years ago just to get dates of surgeries!  Added those to the separate page.  Some I couldn't remember the dates of.  If they really want to know they'll have to contact the Dr. who did them.
Will meet with Radiation specialist on the 13th.  He's located not far from where I live.  Hopefully daughter can go with as she has with all my other appointments.  If she can't a friend said she will go with.  From what I understand from someone who has gone through it the only side effect she experienced was fatigue.  I think I can deal with that.
There are so many unknowns it can be depressing.  And the lousy gray, wet weather we've had doesn't help.  Hoping for a better attitude so I can get something accomplished.  I'm thinking of maybe starting the bicycle basket for my granddaughter.  I made one for my daughter and grandson.  This will probably be my last basket as my hands are beginning to give in to arthritis.  Plus I have lots of sewing projects to finish.