The Lastest News

I had an appointment with my oncologist last Monday and nothing unexpected came up. She confirmed that I would have no need for chemo or radiation treatment. I will be starting a drug treatment that will last five years to deal with the estrogen since they know that my cancer is hormonal based. I had blood work preformed to determine what stage of menopause that I am in, because this will determine which medication I will be put on. I should find out the results today and will begin taking the medication today or tomorrow. The side affects vary depending on which medication that I am put on.

I have felt strong enough and the pain is controlled enough that I have been able to do a bit of light house work now and then. Who knew that I would be happy about that. I am just so ready to get back into life that even housework makes me happy.

I'm still working on stretching those back, chest and arm muscles. I can now lift my arm a little above my shoulder and was actually able to shave my arm pit two days ago. (I know, too much information. I just need to celebrate the small victories!) I also need to work on posture. With the muscles so tight and sore, it's easy to curve your shoulder in and raise it higher than normal. I've asked people to remind me when they see me doing it...

The twelve inch incision on my back is healing nicely. The skin looks good and the swelling has gone down completely except for the top where the top of the muscle was severed. I still have a lot of swelling under my arm and chest and a bit of bruising. In one area the incision on my chest has not yet healed.

Friends and family have been so wonderful in keeping my spirits up. I have had some "blue" moments because I had expected to bounce back a little faster than I am. I don't know what I was thinking.

On a side note, my dad was admitted to the hospital a few days ago. They suspected some kind of blockage in his stomach. After running some tests, it was discovered that he has a growth in his stomach a little larger than the size of a large orange. We received the results of the biopsy today and it has malignant cells. At this point, they don't know if it has spread outside of the tumor. He is going to be moved to Vanderbelt hospital in TN and he will have surgery.

I hope that you all are doing well and am hungry for fellowship and news. If anyone has a moment I would love to hear from you...

Kathy