Officially on Tamoxifen

For the next 2 years, at least. Unlike most recovering breast cancer patients who take it for 5 years, I am highly-suspected of already being on perimenopause stage. As soon as this is confirmed again (for the 3rd time by looking at my FSH level), then I won't need to drink Tamoxifen for 5 years as was communicated to me not just by my Oncologist but also by my Ob-Gyne and Breast Surgeon.

As I embark on this new phase of my journey, I pray that the Tamoxifen does its job but I also pray that my family doesn't suffer much from my being menopausal. They've all gone through so much already since this all started. 

Incidentally, it's Good Friday. We are home and we intend to stay put and be quiet. 

Here's a prayer I would like to share to all of you

A prayerful and peaceful Good Friday to all.

Dancing to Happy News

Today was my first visit to my Oncologist after chemo ended last February 21st. I had my blood extracted the other day --- yup, 3 vials of them because she needs to check on more than the usual. 

I went to her with the results. Although they seemed to look good and within normal ranges, there were a few others that I didn't know how to interpret so I (kinda) nervously waited for her to tell me what these meant.

"Beautiful, I'm so happy! Your tumor markers (breast and ovaries) are also down!"

These were her words, they were music to my ears! 

I continue to be thankful for the healing and for the many other blessings my family and I have received. I'm officially going to be on Tamoxifen starting tomorrow for the next 5 years. 

My next date with the Oncologist is in early June and for the first 2 years, I'm going to go on dates with her every quarter. My post-chemo scan takes place in September to coincide with the first anniversary of my mastectomy and reconstructive breast surgeries.

THANK YOU, DEAR LORD! 

YOU ARE SO FAITHFUL!!!

Have a wonderful weekend, everyone! 

Hello, Summer!

Yes, I've been quiet. I had to deal with my kids being sick at the same time --- a very rare occurence in this household. I also had to make sure I didn't catch the virus they had. The little girl had a really bad cough and high fever, while the teenager had a bad case of the sniffles and high fever as well. They were both sick for a whole week and during their 3rd term exams in school. It was the first time ever that my kids were forced to miss taking their exams. Mom was a bit stressed out, worried that this might be dengue. Fortunately for all of us, it turned out to be just a virus. Nevertheless, it was nasty but I'm glad that's all over now.

It's the week after and they're both taking special exams in school. I, on the other hand, am feeling better but still not normal. I've started going out and doing the usual stuff. But I still can't over-exert myself. My legs still suffer the most everytime I'm tired. Is that strange or what? 

It's summer, the kids will be busy and so will I. I'm hoping these Lola Legs will soon cease to exist.

I got a much-needed massage yesterday and it felt good because I had it mostly on my feet and legs. 

Scheduled to do blood extraction today so I can see my counts when I visit my Oncologist again either tomorrow or Friday. Keeping my fingers crossed! 

How's everyone doing? I've been praying a lot for those in my circle, as well as some who are newly-diagnosed, who are friends of friends or acquaintances. 

It's Been 6 Months!

This time, I'm referring to my surgeries : the mastectomy and the reconstruction. I can't believe that's like half a year that just flew by. I still remember that day as if it happened very recently.

I checked in after dinner on the evening of September 11, 2012

The procedures were done the following day, after lunch, and lasted more than the expected 8 hours!

This photo was taken 3 days later when all of the narcotics were finally out of my system. How heavenly it felt! Seriously, the drugs helped but when they were starting to wear off I felt like shit.

And this was on the day I went home from the hospital. I cried the minute I got home. I was away for 7 days and didn't have a choice.

Today, I am thankful to be where I am, feeling like the life I'm living is brand new.

I thank the good Lord for all of His blessings and I look forward to more.

TO GOD BE THE GLORY!!!

Fatigue After Chemo

If you think you're in the clear once chemotherapy sessions are over, think again. Atleast that's what I keep telling myself lately. I obviously wasn't ready for what was to happen after chemo. I thought all I needed was a week (tops) to recover ... just like in the past. It's been over 2 weeks since my last cycle and I can tell my body isn't back to normal.

I feel so much better today, there are no more side effects to deal with (i.e. metallic taste, consistent body pain) but I have a long way to go to feeling 100% normal again.

The other day, I was bored so I tried to look for a Zumba (beginners) video on YouTube. I found one, tried it and BOY! After less than 2 minutes, I couldn't go any longer. I felt like I'd been dancing for half an hour. That's how I know I'm not normal yet. Also last Friday, I went out to support my eldest daughter at a dance competition and was away from home for a total of 8 hours. Didn't do much except sit down and watch but the next day, I was so tired I slept for the most part of the day.

One thing's for sure ... I can't go back to full time work. Not just yet. I've been toying around with the idea of doing so, but I need more time to recover. Otherwise, I'd be going on sick leave so often until my boss decides to kick me out. 

It's Sunday today, I'm still on rest mode after that long day I had last Friday. Just as well because the little girl was down with a cough and fever yesterday and needs to rest as well. 

Here's a helpful article I found on how to deal with fatigue after chemo treatments:

http://www.ccsb.org/upload/Image/Thrivership/fatigue_after_chemo.pdf

Happy Sunday to all! 

Hair Update

More than 4 months since my very first chemo cycle and exactly 2 weeks since the 6th and last, here is what my head looks like 

Not bad, huh? I mean, just don't look at all the grey strands (if you can see them). I consider myself fortunate that the hair started to grow back even before treatments ended, and even when my Onco said some of it might still fall off. None of them did :) 

I can't wait to have a full head of hair again. Right now, I can't really tell what my hair's going to be like. They say it won't be the same as before, it never is. Staring at this photo, it looks like it's going to be wavy bordering on curly. We'll just have to wait and see!

It's finally the weekend! I hope you all have a good one. I know I will. 

God bless us all ... 

Lola Legs

I don't know why, but it's my legs that have suffered the most in this final chemo episode. Initially, my concern was that the side effect (body pain) was here much longer than the usual. I attributed it to the fact that this was already my 6th cycle and let's face it, chemo really does take its toll on a person's body. 

I'm really very impatient by nature, so a week after that last cycle, I began to wonder and I texted my Oncologist. She said this is really normal, plus it's different for each person (I've said that a million times here, haven't I?). Just ride it out and think of it as the last time you're going to feel any discomfort because you're done with chemo --- this was her reply to me. 

She had a point, obviously. But when you're there at the finish line and yet your recovery isn't complete because it's taking longer than usual, what would YOU feel? 

Today's Thursday, it's been 2 weeks since February 21, my last chemo cycle. There's still a bit of discomfort in my legs. They feel like I went hiking the day before. When I'm still, they're fine. But when I try to get up from where I'm seated, they feel tired. But they get better everyday. I don't take Paracetamol for relief because I don't need it, really. Not a pill popper, remember? 

It's okay, I can do this. I can continue to be thankful amidst the continuing discomfort. But please ... I hope you go away for good very very soon!!!