I am magnificent! I met with Dr. Brandt (Plastic surgeon) and he says I am healing quite well. I can almost raise both arms over my head! He said that I get to start scar therapy, if I wish, which is just this silicone, sticky strips that stick to my scars. I'll need to wear them for at least 12 hours a day for 12 weeks for them to be effective. I have seen some photos of the results on mast. patients and it looks great.
NO MORE PORT! I am so thrilled to rid my body of that hard thing under my clavicle. I can sleep on my left side and wear my shoulder seatbelt again. Sweet freedom!
St. Louis Magazine put out a list of the best 500 doctors in St. Louis. Two of my three doctors were on the list. Dr. Brandt (for plastic surgery) and Dr. Naughton (for oncology)! Whoo, hoo! I am so blessed to be treated by these drs. I am bummed that Dr. Dietz was not on the list. She should be on the list. She is an amazing, compassionate dr.
Very excited that I get to join Greg while he is in England in October. October will be a wonderful traveling month. First I get to go to England and then two weeks later, Greg and I head down through the Panama Canal on our I-kicked-the-living-daylights-out-of-cancer-cruise. It is going to be fantastic!
2 weeks and counting no hot flashes! :) Alicia
Monday, August 22, 2005
Thursday, August 11, 2005
Aug. 11, 2005
I am almost back to myself again! I can't believe how much energy I have. For the past 7 months my body has been cut up, put out, or drugged up every few weeks. My body is finally like, "I'm free! I'm free!"
I started Tamoxifen 3 days ago, and so far no hot flashes! :) I don't have to see my oncologist for six months., I'm doing that well! I am excited about life, and I am getting used to my new normal (though, I don't think not being able to feel my whole front side will ever be normal.) I'm getting there. I don't think about my numbness much anymore, and I can toss about in bed with ease. Finally, restful sleep!
I get my port taken out on Monday, YEAH!! I can wear a seat belt again!
I am getting used to not living in "cancer-mode." My life can now be about other, more interesting things. :) God has been more than faithful to me.
Lots of love, Alicia
I started Tamoxifen 3 days ago, and so far no hot flashes! :) I don't have to see my oncologist for six months., I'm doing that well! I am excited about life, and I am getting used to my new normal (though, I don't think not being able to feel my whole front side will ever be normal.) I'm getting there. I don't think about my numbness much anymore, and I can toss about in bed with ease. Finally, restful sleep!
I get my port taken out on Monday, YEAH!! I can wear a seat belt again!
I am getting used to not living in "cancer-mode." My life can now be about other, more interesting things. :) God has been more than faithful to me.
Lots of love, Alicia
Tuesday, August 2, 2005
Aug. 2, 2005
I am very glad to say that I am healing very well now. I am standing up straight and my left arm, which I wasn't able to lift beyond shoulder height, is starting to work quite well. I am now allowed to pick up anything up to 10 lbs. The exercises which Dr. Brandt is having me do really do work. I am only at week five, so my physical fitness level is not quite perfect, but everyday I get stronger. My surgery wounds are healing quite well, and I am getting used to having to my new set (which I can't feel.) It's like I am wearing a huge over-stuffed bra! :) (Hey, I might as well just lay it all out there! Just another reason to tell why breast cancer stinks big time.)
It is amazing to me how your body heals itself. One day I can't stand up straight (b/c my new abdomen was pulled tight) and then the next morning I get up out of bed, and, boom, I can instantly stand up. So very weird to me!
I have returned to my regular working hours at Covenant Seminary, which I am SUPER happy about. It has made me not only physically stronger, but mentally healthier. Gives me something to think about other than my healing.
Next week, I am meeting with my oncologist to go over my hormonal therapy. Yeah, I'm so excited (add sarcasm at will.) I will be taking Tamoxifen, which will block the estrogen receptors in any new cancer cells that decide to pop up. This drug will decreases the chance of reoccurrence tremendously. The side effects stink (mimics menopause), but it will, like chemo, possibly save my life.
Thank you for your love, Alicia
It is amazing to me how your body heals itself. One day I can't stand up straight (b/c my new abdomen was pulled tight) and then the next morning I get up out of bed, and, boom, I can instantly stand up. So very weird to me!
I have returned to my regular working hours at Covenant Seminary, which I am SUPER happy about. It has made me not only physically stronger, but mentally healthier. Gives me something to think about other than my healing.
Next week, I am meeting with my oncologist to go over my hormonal therapy. Yeah, I'm so excited (add sarcasm at will.) I will be taking Tamoxifen, which will block the estrogen receptors in any new cancer cells that decide to pop up. This drug will decreases the chance of reoccurrence tremendously. The side effects stink (mimics menopause), but it will, like chemo, possibly save my life.
Thank you for your love, Alicia
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