Lots of Appointments

Lots of Appointments

This morning Blanca came at 7:15am so I could get to my 8:00am gastroenterologist appointment. I have been having some stomach issues for a while. I had an abdominal ultrasound and cat scan in the last few months and both were clear. Since I want to be extra cautious about any little thing, I wanted it checked out. I could just be IBS stuff or maybe an ulcer. The doctor wants to do an endoscopy, so I have one scheduled for next Thursday.

After the appointment I came home for a little bit and then went to the bone density scan. That test was really easy compared to all the tests I have had lately. I just had to lay on a table for a few minutes while they took a few x-rays.

Then, I went to see the new acupuncturist. I had a hard time understanding him. He’s from China and has a thick accent. I liked him and the office. I felt way more comfortable there than the other place. This acupuncture seemed more relaxing. I’ll go back again next week.

On the way home I stopped at Target.

When I got home it was about 3:15pm and both boys were napping.

Susan from the Mom’s club ordered food for us from Mangieri’s for dinner.

After dinner Evan and Noah played in the house in their new firefighter rain boots that I got them at Target. They also ate pretzels out of their new Toy Story and Incredibles snack containers.

We just put the boys to bed. I’m expecting this to be like almost every night. Noah usually goes to sleep right away and Evan either keeps yelling for us requesting something or coming downstairs until we go upstairs to bed.

Appointment with the Oncologist

Today, I met with my oncologist and also had my after chemo blood test. I feel like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I'm officially done with chemo. The doctor seemed really positive about everything. The blood test results were good. I’m still slightly anemic and my platelets were low, but nothing to worry about. Dr. Patt said that’s typical for just having had chemo. We talked about what the plan is now that I’m done with chemo. Since I have the BRCA1 gene mutation I’m at a higher risk of getting ovarian cancer. It has been recommended that I have my ovaries removed at some point to lower that risk. Dr. Patt showed me the statistics and BRCA1 carriers have only a 2.2% chance of getting ovarian cancer by the age of 40. It goes up significantly at ages 50 and 60. Dr. Patt said I’m at no greater risk because I have already had breast cancer. She recommends I wait a few years to have a hysterectomy. One of the reasons is bone density loss. After a hysterectomy the reduction in hormones can cause bone density issues. Tomorrow I’m going to get a bone density test to get baseline measurements.

So now what? Well, the plan is for me to go for checkups with the oncologist every 3 months and get ovarian cancer screening every 6 months. My next appointments for those are in early April. In two weeks I’ll go back to Dallas for more follow up appointments with the breast surgeon and plastic surgeon. I would also like to get the opinions of the oncologist and gynecological oncologist while I’m there.

How am I feeling? I’ve been doing pretty well the last few days. I’ve been trying to eat healthier and I think that has been making a difference in how I feel. I'm still recovering from chemo, but feeling better each day. I’m not as nauseous and hardly achy now. I went to a Yoga class for cancer survivors yesterday. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I actually really liked it. There were about 10 women in the class. They meet weekly, and I plan on going again.

I’m still really tired and exhausted. I'm sure the fatigue will stick around for a while.

Tomorrow I have a busy day. First, I have an appointment with a gastroenterologist. Then, I go for my bone scan. After that, I’m meeting with a new acupuncturist. Someone at Morry’s work recommended this guy – he’s a doctor and actually from China.

Hope your new year is off to a great start.