Patience has never been my forte. As my cousin recently said, I'm "not one to let time do its work when I could be actively helping it". So I went to the gym today and made a bit of a more enthusiastic effort than I did on Monday. I know this must be week # 1 in comeback mode as the workouts are slow and limited and hard. I will persevere, though, as I know from experience that it gets easier if I do.
I am sore and tired today. I feel a bit better mentally than I have since surgery, but I'm physically exhausted. I know this is normal at this point so I'm happily going to bed very early tonight. It's a big weekend coming up so hopefully I can charge my batteries.
Thursday, 27 November 2014
Tuesday, 25 November 2014
Day 448: Healthy overall
Mel checked my fasting blood test result this morning and it was perfectly normal at 4.1. Woohoo, no diabetes.
I had my quarterly check up with Dr. Fran this morning and all is good. Dr. Ben and I talked about lymphoedema (he mentioned that his physio is keen on laser for lymphoedema treatment and that I can purchase one myself), my recent surgery (I won't need any yearly tests going forward as I don't have anymore breast tissue; I'll only have exams), my talk with Dr. Rod about a possible oopherectomy (I said I wasn't going to do anything for about 6 months) and general treatment for oestrogen-fed cancer. There's a possibility that my ovaries are currently dormant after chemo and that my periods could return. If so, then removing my ovaries could have a greater impact on my menopause symptoms, but there's no guarantee. There is an option to take a drug called Zoladex, which would mimic complete ovarian shut down. It costs about $330/ monthly injection.
We discussed possible metastasis (likely organs are liver, kidney and lung - and brain) and timeframe (oestogen-fed cancer like mine has a low-level recurrence rate but this stays fairly steady over time as opposed to dropping off like triple negative cancer).
When Dr. Fran came in she said that lymph node transplant and other more "progressive" treatments for lymphoedma were progressing exponentially so it'd be great to wait a few years.
I went from there to the breast care nurse to have a look at my mastectomy swelling and weeping. Michi was happy so I was happy.
I had a great catch up with Prue and missed a called from the school. Poor Alex waited in the sick bay for over an hour for me to get him. He complained of a sore head and tummy but seemed in good spirits. It was a quiet afternoon which made everyone happy.
I had my quarterly check up with Dr. Fran this morning and all is good. Dr. Ben and I talked about lymphoedema (he mentioned that his physio is keen on laser for lymphoedema treatment and that I can purchase one myself), my recent surgery (I won't need any yearly tests going forward as I don't have anymore breast tissue; I'll only have exams), my talk with Dr. Rod about a possible oopherectomy (I said I wasn't going to do anything for about 6 months) and general treatment for oestrogen-fed cancer. There's a possibility that my ovaries are currently dormant after chemo and that my periods could return. If so, then removing my ovaries could have a greater impact on my menopause symptoms, but there's no guarantee. There is an option to take a drug called Zoladex, which would mimic complete ovarian shut down. It costs about $330/ monthly injection.
We discussed possible metastasis (likely organs are liver, kidney and lung - and brain) and timeframe (oestogen-fed cancer like mine has a low-level recurrence rate but this stays fairly steady over time as opposed to dropping off like triple negative cancer).
When Dr. Fran came in she said that lymph node transplant and other more "progressive" treatments for lymphoedma were progressing exponentially so it'd be great to wait a few years.
I went from there to the breast care nurse to have a look at my mastectomy swelling and weeping. Michi was happy so I was happy.
I had a great catch up with Prue and missed a called from the school. Poor Alex waited in the sick bay for over an hour for me to get him. He complained of a sore head and tummy but seemed in good spirits. It was a quiet afternoon which made everyone happy.
Day 447: Fasting blood test
This morning I learned that I am definitely not at my best without my first-up coffee. I didn't miss the food as much as I missed the ritual - and likely the caffeine - of a coffee.
I got to the blood draw centre just after 8a and it was packed. Apparently it hadn't been that busy in months. It took about an hour before I was called. Then came the drama of trying to find a vein as chemo has hardened the key ones, and I am limited to only one arm. The poor woman, who did a few of my pre-chemo draws, ended up going in a vein on my hand. Yuck! I hate the hand, but she was good. I was glad to have that finished.
I had a great walk with Delia and Sonja, followed by a coffee. From there I went to see my psychologist, Jessica. We had a good chat and she suggested a follow up in 3 months, so all is good.
I got to the blood draw centre just after 8a and it was packed. Apparently it hadn't been that busy in months. It took about an hour before I was called. Then came the drama of trying to find a vein as chemo has hardened the key ones, and I am limited to only one arm. The poor woman, who did a few of my pre-chemo draws, ended up going in a vein on my hand. Yuck! I hate the hand, but she was good. I was glad to have that finished.
I had a great walk with Delia and Sonja, followed by a coffee. From there I went to see my psychologist, Jessica. We had a good chat and she suggested a follow up in 3 months, so all is good.
Monday, 24 November 2014
Day 446: Post-op hyperglycemia follow up
I dragged myself out of bed today and spent the day in a bit of a fog. I did get to the gym but I can honestly say that I was exhausted after 40 mins so I admitted defeat. I figured it would be good to get back to the routine, which it was. I'd just forgotten how slow the start of a comeback is.
I saw Dr. Mark (Dr. Karen was away) to follow up on my post-surgery high glucose read. He is sending me to do a fasting blood sugar test. He says there are 3 possible outcomes:
1. Everything is normal and the post-surgery high glucose was likely due to increased adrenalin caused by stress.
2. The reading is a bit high and I go back for a more in-depth blood glucose test.
3. The reading is very high and I am diagnosed with diabetes.
I will be very pissed off if it is #3.
I took Kirrily out for lunch to celebrate her birthday. It was a wonderful catch up.
I also made it to the last reading group in Remie's class for the year. I said a big thank you to the class for the beautiful "G well soon" cards they made while I was in hospital. When Remie brought them to hospital and showed them to me one by one I nearly cried.
I'm feeling really sore tonight. I'm hoping that it's just the result of over-doing it a bit. My nipple (I was about to write right nipple but I only have the right one) is "weeping" a bit in general and bleeding a bit tonight. Dr. Andrew didn't seem too worried about it, and neither did Dr. Mark, but it still makes me uneasy. I may try to get one of the breastcare nurses to look at when I'm at the hospital on Wednesday to see Dr. Fran.
I saw Dr. Mark (Dr. Karen was away) to follow up on my post-surgery high glucose read. He is sending me to do a fasting blood sugar test. He says there are 3 possible outcomes:
1. Everything is normal and the post-surgery high glucose was likely due to increased adrenalin caused by stress.
2. The reading is a bit high and I go back for a more in-depth blood glucose test.
3. The reading is very high and I am diagnosed with diabetes.
I will be very pissed off if it is #3.
I took Kirrily out for lunch to celebrate her birthday. It was a wonderful catch up.
I also made it to the last reading group in Remie's class for the year. I said a big thank you to the class for the beautiful "G well soon" cards they made while I was in hospital. When Remie brought them to hospital and showed them to me one by one I nearly cried.
I'm feeling really sore tonight. I'm hoping that it's just the result of over-doing it a bit. My nipple (I was about to write right nipple but I only have the right one) is "weeping" a bit in general and bleeding a bit tonight. Dr. Andrew didn't seem too worried about it, and neither did Dr. Mark, but it still makes me uneasy. I may try to get one of the breastcare nurses to look at when I'm at the hospital on Wednesday to see Dr. Fran.
Sunday, 23 November 2014
Day 445: Hiding from the heat
It was predicted to be 39 degrees C today. Knowing what the heat does to my arm swelling, I spent the afternoon hiding indoors, which is not at all like me. Thankfully the heat never hit and my arm stayed the same. I feel a bit like I wasted a beautiful day, but a visit to the beach would've been unpleasant since I still shouldn't swim post-op and my sleeve/glove would've been very not. Ahh, the joys of this journey. At least I know that this, too, shall pass.
I did have the upside of seeing Remie's dance concert in which she did a tap dance (she's been doing tap and jazz) dressed as a pirate. She had a great time.
Nick and Alex spent last night camping locally at Manly Dam with Cubs. Remie and I were there for a bit yesterday but spent the night at home. Camping was not in my repertoire 10 days after reconstruction, and Remie decided she wasn't going to stay if I didn't. Instead we went out for sushi and she slept in her IKEA circus tent on the very old mattress from her cot. She was happy. And I was happy sleeping in my own bed as comfortably as is possible at the moment on minimal pain killers.
I did have the upside of seeing Remie's dance concert in which she did a tap dance (she's been doing tap and jazz) dressed as a pirate. She had a great time.
Nick and Alex spent last night camping locally at Manly Dam with Cubs. Remie and I were there for a bit yesterday but spent the night at home. Camping was not in my repertoire 10 days after reconstruction, and Remie decided she wasn't going to stay if I didn't. Instead we went out for sushi and she slept in her IKEA circus tent on the very old mattress from her cot. She was happy. And I was happy sleeping in my own bed as comfortably as is possible at the moment on minimal pain killers.
Wednesday, 19 November 2014
Day 441: Serial numbers and slow time
Upon awaking, I redeemed on of my "get a cup of coffee" certificates Alex had given me. It was a great way to start the day. Nick was on morning duty before his afternoon departure to Singapore, so I enjoyed moving slowly. I'm definitely feeling better every day, though I am still very vague.
I had to drop Wanda (the Honda) in for a service, so Rach picked me up and we had a great morning of coffee, walking, juice and shopping. Melinda came by for a lovely visit this afternoon, and the rest of my day was admin. I'm getting a few things done as I'm around the house lots at the moment.
The strange thing I did today was to file the card that has my details and the serial numbers and details of my implants "in case there is ever a recall". I didn't know my girls would have their own ID card. I wonder if I should have one for my hip as well...
Deanna dropped by a yummy dinner that we all 3 demolished. I've enjoyed a very quiet house this evening and will drift off to sleep peacefully.
I had to drop Wanda (the Honda) in for a service, so Rach picked me up and we had a great morning of coffee, walking, juice and shopping. Melinda came by for a lovely visit this afternoon, and the rest of my day was admin. I'm getting a few things done as I'm around the house lots at the moment.
The strange thing I did today was to file the card that has my details and the serial numbers and details of my implants "in case there is ever a recall". I didn't know my girls would have their own ID card. I wonder if I should have one for my hip as well...
Deanna dropped by a yummy dinner that we all 3 demolished. I've enjoyed a very quiet house this evening and will drift off to sleep peacefully.
Tuesday, 18 November 2014
Day 440: Peer support volunteering
I was awake early after not sleeping particularly well. I got moving and helped get the kids ready for Nick to take them to school. After a bit of admin, I headed to hospital for my final meeting of my first breast cancer seminar as a peer support volunteer. Today's topic was "Life after treatment" and we had a good session discussing fear, worries and experiences amongst the 8 of us (5 currently undergoing treatment). It reminded me of how uniquely isolating this journey is when it comes to the post-treatment adjustment to one's body's fallibility and what that means for making the most of the finite number of days left.
I popped into Redlands, where the kids will go to school next year, to drop off Remie's library books and pick up some info regarding Alex's activities. It was lovely to be greeted by so many familiar and warm faces.
I spent the afternoon on a lounge chair out back, talking to Mum and reading. I did indeed get some rest.
When Rosalie and the kids got home, Remie was very upset. I ast with her for a bit and coerced her into the bath, which calmed her down. We spent time reading this evening while the boys were at Cubs, which is always really nice. It was a great way to spend part of my limited time left.
I popped into Redlands, where the kids will go to school next year, to drop off Remie's library books and pick up some info regarding Alex's activities. It was lovely to be greeted by so many familiar and warm faces.
I spent the afternoon on a lounge chair out back, talking to Mum and reading. I did indeed get some rest.
When Rosalie and the kids got home, Remie was very upset. I ast with her for a bit and coerced her into the bath, which calmed her down. We spent time reading this evening while the boys were at Cubs, which is always really nice. It was a great way to spend part of my limited time left.
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