The struggle is real. I was doing great after my bilateral mastectomy until mid December when apparently the aromatase inhibitor (Arimidex/Anastrozole anti-hormone pills) kicked in. This is how the American Cancer Society describes aromatase inhibitors: Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) lower estrogen levels by stopping an enzyme in fat tissue (called aromatase) from changing other hormones into estrogen. … Continue reading Breast cancer Round 2: Aromatase inhibitor side effects
After surgery
Breast cancer Round 2: Birthday update
Here on my December 6th birthday I look back at the past few months of my latest cancer journey. At this point I'm almost three months post bilateral mastectomy. I've been taking the aromatase inhibitor (Anastrozole, brand name Armidex) for about a month. I'm not sure if I'm having side effects or not. They're the … Continue reading Breast cancer Round 2: Birthday update
Breast cancer Round 2: Next (long term) step
Today I saw my radiation oncologist. He was the one in charge of my radiation last time, 11 years ago, the first time I had breast cancer. This was the scene of my radiation then: But it will NOT be the scene of my cancer journey this time! My doctor came in the room and … Continue reading Breast cancer Round 2: Next (long term) step
Breast cancer Round 2: More waiting
Well, the Trickster is at work, and I have another opportunity to let go of expectations. My appointment tomorrow with my medical oncologist has been pushed back a week as we wait for the oncotype genome testing results. Today is Monday, and I was supposed to see my medical oncologist tomorrow because she expected the … Continue reading Breast cancer Round 2: More waiting
Breast cancer Round 2: Meeting with my medical oncologist
I saw my medical oncologist this morning. She was more concerned than my surgeon about the tumor and the pathology so far. More extensive pathology will give answers. That more-extensive pathology will take two to three weeks. My medical oncologist's concern is that the tumor was larger than expected (and therefore in a range of … Continue reading Breast cancer Round 2: Meeting with my medical oncologist
Breast cancer Round 2: Almost a week post-mastectomy x2
Another day when I'm the grouchiest grouch that ever grouched. That probably means I'm healing, right? I'm tired and sleepy. Some nights I sleep great. Some nights my restless legs kick in and make it hard to fall asleep. I was worn out yesterday from getting up early to watch the Queen Elizabeth funeral events. … Continue reading Breast cancer Round 2: Almost a week post-mastectomy x2
Celebrating 10 years cancer-free
On this day at this time (December 5 at 1 PM) I was home or about to be home after a breast lumpectomy and node removal. I don't recall ever wondering during that time whether I'd still be around in a decade. Even though that wasn't a thought back then, here I am now, 10 … Continue reading Celebrating 10 years cancer-free
Acupuncture: I’m afraid to jinx myself, but . . .
Yeah, I'm a bit superstitious, so I'm hesitant to share my good news about acupuncture. But here goes, jinxes be damned! First, my background with acupuncture. Seven plus years ago I had several rounds of acupuncture during my chemo treatment time periods. I think it helped, but since I didn't have a "normal" baseline, I … Continue reading Acupuncture: I’m afraid to jinx myself, but . . .
One year after double knee replacement
A year ago I was finishing my week in a rehab hospital after having both my knees replaced. I thought that by now I'd be healed. I was only partially right. I don't have the excruciating pain of a year ago. But I'm also not pain-free. And I'm certainly not walking well - especially when … Continue reading One year after double knee replacement
If walking is easy for you, be grateful!
Taking a walk used to be one of my deep pleasures. I'd head out to Chickamauga Battlefield and walk to my heart's content. I walked there year round. Clear, crisp spring days like today meant there would be lots of walkers and runners and bikers out enjoying the weather with me. But gradually my knees … Continue reading If walking is easy for you, be grateful!
eddies and currents 