Monday, September 24, 2012
Monday, February 27, 2012
Monday February 27, 2012
I have been rocking and rolling along since the New Year. I have absolutely no complaints, which is why I haven't blogged in awhile.
I recovered from my complete hysterectomy without complications (Thank you God) and was released, no problem. I can start working out again, and have started my new post-menopausal pill, Arimidex. After being on it for a little bit I noticed my blood pressure is staying elevated so we are keeping an eye on that.
I am still seeing my Oncologist every 3 months but am now only seeing my Plastic Surgeon every 6 months. Speaking of Plastic Surgeons, I asked mine to send me my before and after pictures... HOLY COW I cannot believe I ever looked like that before. I thought my original boobs were flat, but after having Poncho and Lefty all this time, they were really pancakes! Jamey and I had a good little laugh and then I put the pictures up. Who am I going to show them to? :-)
Last week I was asked to talk to two different women that were recently diagnosed with breast cancer. Every story is different and every outcome and attitude are different. I know I didn't want to talk to anyone when I was first diagnosed, only because I was already getting a 1,000 opinions thrown at me every day, and since every diagnosis is different, my story won't necessarily relate to every one elses, but if I can help someone recently diagnosed in ANY way, I definitely will! If any of you hear of anyone diagnosed, please don't hesitate to send them to this blog. Maybe reading this will help, you never know.
Until next time!
Love,
C.
I recovered from my complete hysterectomy without complications (Thank you God) and was released, no problem. I can start working out again, and have started my new post-menopausal pill, Arimidex. After being on it for a little bit I noticed my blood pressure is staying elevated so we are keeping an eye on that.
I am still seeing my Oncologist every 3 months but am now only seeing my Plastic Surgeon every 6 months. Speaking of Plastic Surgeons, I asked mine to send me my before and after pictures... HOLY COW I cannot believe I ever looked like that before. I thought my original boobs were flat, but after having Poncho and Lefty all this time, they were really pancakes! Jamey and I had a good little laugh and then I put the pictures up. Who am I going to show them to? :-)
Last week I was asked to talk to two different women that were recently diagnosed with breast cancer. Every story is different and every outcome and attitude are different. I know I didn't want to talk to anyone when I was first diagnosed, only because I was already getting a 1,000 opinions thrown at me every day, and since every diagnosis is different, my story won't necessarily relate to every one elses, but if I can help someone recently diagnosed in ANY way, I definitely will! If any of you hear of anyone diagnosed, please don't hesitate to send them to this blog. Maybe reading this will help, you never know.
Until next time!
Love,
C.
Friday, January 6, 2012
January 6, 2012
Happy New Year!
I can't believe it's already 2012, and I can't believe I haven't posted in awhile. What a busy and wonderful Christmas!
On the 19th, I had a complete hysterectomy. Everything was sent off to the lab and my results were all benign! I did have to stay over night and we weren't expecting that. Apparently that was Dr. Cloven's plan all along but no one told me!
I went to see Dr. Cloven after two weeks and she released me to go back to work. It was really nice having two and a half weeks off with my family, especially during the holidays.
I also saw my plastic surgeon for my 3 month check up. He said everything looks great and I can wait 6 months for my next appointment this time!
My New Years resolution is to NOT have surgery in 2012, what's yours?
Love to all,
C.
I can't believe it's already 2012, and I can't believe I haven't posted in awhile. What a busy and wonderful Christmas!
On the 19th, I had a complete hysterectomy. Everything was sent off to the lab and my results were all benign! I did have to stay over night and we weren't expecting that. Apparently that was Dr. Cloven's plan all along but no one told me!
I went to see Dr. Cloven after two weeks and she released me to go back to work. It was really nice having two and a half weeks off with my family, especially during the holidays.
I also saw my plastic surgeon for my 3 month check up. He said everything looks great and I can wait 6 months for my next appointment this time!
My New Years resolution is to NOT have surgery in 2012, what's yours?
Love to all,
C.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Tuesday December 13, 2011
Well yesterday I went for my 3 month appointment at the Oncologist office. I also got the bone density results back. I have osteopenia, which is just a fancy word for thinning bones. He told me to take Vitamin D and Calcium and get another bone density test in a year.
I also had my surgery pre-op appointment. While I'm getting my labs drawn, EKG, and a chest x-ray, it dawned on me that this is really happening! YAY
I cannot wait to get rid of my ovaries since they are producing estrogen that my body hates, but I'm not looking forward to the hot flashes... I've already scoped out a spot on my side of the bed for my personal fan!
The woman that did my pre-op is the same person I had back in July 2010. I told her that and she said "what did you have surgery for last time?" (while she is taping the EKG leads all over my chest and my boobs are there for everyone to see) I said "a double mastectomy, can't you tell?" She said "Oh no, I thought you just had a breast reduction, those look real!" then she says "look" and pulls my gown all the way down to show the nurse in the room my boobs... She was such a hoot and did an excellent job drawing my blood.
Well I am busy at work trying to get everything ready to take off for 2-4 weeks. I can't wait to spend the holidays with my family!
Love to all,
C.
I also had my surgery pre-op appointment. While I'm getting my labs drawn, EKG, and a chest x-ray, it dawned on me that this is really happening! YAY
I cannot wait to get rid of my ovaries since they are producing estrogen that my body hates, but I'm not looking forward to the hot flashes... I've already scoped out a spot on my side of the bed for my personal fan!
The woman that did my pre-op is the same person I had back in July 2010. I told her that and she said "what did you have surgery for last time?" (while she is taping the EKG leads all over my chest and my boobs are there for everyone to see) I said "a double mastectomy, can't you tell?" She said "Oh no, I thought you just had a breast reduction, those look real!" then she says "look" and pulls my gown all the way down to show the nurse in the room my boobs... She was such a hoot and did an excellent job drawing my blood.
Well I am busy at work trying to get everything ready to take off for 2-4 weeks. I can't wait to spend the holidays with my family!
Love to all,
C.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
December 1, 2011 - Importance of Exercise and Eating Healthy
I hope everyone had a very Happy Thanksgiving. I know I have a lot to be thankful for!
I was contacted by a fellow blogger, David Haas, to try and spread the word on the importance of exercise and eating healthy after a cancer diagnosis. Below is his article...
"The Importance of Exercise for Individual's Dealing with a Cancer Diagnosis
When you are going through the various emotions associated with a cancer diagnosis, one of the last things you are interested in thinking about is exercising to stay fit. However, when you have cancer it is very important to maintain some degree of movement every day, doing this can positively affect how you feel physically and emotionally. Exercise will help you to have more energy, which in turn, will improve your quality of life.
To achieve the aforementioned benefits, you do not have to become a body builder or exercise fanatic, all you need to do is take 10 minutes out of your day to ride a bike or walk around the block.
Exercise Components
Experts have stated that every sensible exercise program has three components. Even an exercise program that includes only a little of each of these components is ideal.
Stretching
Stretching helps keep your muscles and joints flexible, which is important for everyone, from the people diagnosed with colon cancer to the people diagnosed with a rare cancer like mesothelioma. Any individual that is bedridden for any length of time would find stretching extremely beneficial.
An Aerobic Workout
An aerobic workout gets your blood pumping by speeding up your heart rate. Some of the more common aerobic exercises include brisk walking or jogging, bicycling on a stationary bike or outdoors and swimming.
Strength Training
When you strength train you build your muscles and tone your body. This helps you maintain your strength while you are dealing with your disease and when a patient is receiving treatment that can weaken the body.
Exercise is Important
In 2009, the American College of Sports Medicine conducted a study that stressed that cancer patients need to avoid being inactive. Dr. Schmitz, the lead author of the Abramson Cancer Center in Philadelphia stated that programs for cancer patients that are similar to the cardiac rehab programs would be extremely beneficial.
Dr. Schmitz has stated that the cancer patient’s quality of life will improve and is the main benefit of maintaining a regular exercise program.
Dr. Schmitz, along with her partners in the study, has created realistic, but aggressive guidelines for the cancer patients’ exercise program. This program avoids any tasks that may be too difficult for a cancer patient to overcome. For instance, certain medications or therapies that are used to treat cancer have a tendency to make the patient prone to have bone fractures. This must be realized when creating an exercise program tailored to the cancer patient.
You can ask your support person at the hospital if they have a personal trainer available that caters to the needs of cancer patients. If they do not, contact your local health clubs to inquire about fitness personnel that are trained to work with cancer patients. Do not be apprehensive about asking for the trainer’s documentation concerning his licensing and/or experience."
I was contacted by a fellow blogger, David Haas, to try and spread the word on the importance of exercise and eating healthy after a cancer diagnosis. Below is his article...
"The Importance of Exercise for Individual's Dealing with a Cancer Diagnosis
When you are going through the various emotions associated with a cancer diagnosis, one of the last things you are interested in thinking about is exercising to stay fit. However, when you have cancer it is very important to maintain some degree of movement every day, doing this can positively affect how you feel physically and emotionally. Exercise will help you to have more energy, which in turn, will improve your quality of life.
To achieve the aforementioned benefits, you do not have to become a body builder or exercise fanatic, all you need to do is take 10 minutes out of your day to ride a bike or walk around the block.
Exercise Components
Experts have stated that every sensible exercise program has three components. Even an exercise program that includes only a little of each of these components is ideal.
Stretching
Stretching helps keep your muscles and joints flexible, which is important for everyone, from the people diagnosed with colon cancer to the people diagnosed with a rare cancer like mesothelioma. Any individual that is bedridden for any length of time would find stretching extremely beneficial.
An Aerobic Workout
An aerobic workout gets your blood pumping by speeding up your heart rate. Some of the more common aerobic exercises include brisk walking or jogging, bicycling on a stationary bike or outdoors and swimming.
Strength Training
When you strength train you build your muscles and tone your body. This helps you maintain your strength while you are dealing with your disease and when a patient is receiving treatment that can weaken the body.
Exercise is Important
In 2009, the American College of Sports Medicine conducted a study that stressed that cancer patients need to avoid being inactive. Dr. Schmitz, the lead author of the Abramson Cancer Center in Philadelphia stated that programs for cancer patients that are similar to the cardiac rehab programs would be extremely beneficial.
Dr. Schmitz has stated that the cancer patient’s quality of life will improve and is the main benefit of maintaining a regular exercise program.
Dr. Schmitz, along with her partners in the study, has created realistic, but aggressive guidelines for the cancer patients’ exercise program. This program avoids any tasks that may be too difficult for a cancer patient to overcome. For instance, certain medications or therapies that are used to treat cancer have a tendency to make the patient prone to have bone fractures. This must be realized when creating an exercise program tailored to the cancer patient.
You can ask your support person at the hospital if they have a personal trainer available that caters to the needs of cancer patients. If they do not, contact your local health clubs to inquire about fitness personnel that are trained to work with cancer patients. Do not be apprehensive about asking for the trainer’s documentation concerning his licensing and/or experience."
Friday, November 4, 2011
November 4, 2011
I found out last week that Dr. Cloven is recommending a complete hysterectomy. I am very excited because this is what I want. I don't want to give the cancer anywhere else to spread and I am done with those parts!
I am scheduled for December 19th and should be off work 2-4 weeks. I requested close to Christmas because that is my slow time at work and Morgan will be out of school so I won't have to worry about how she will get there. And, who wouldn't want to hang out at home with their kid during the holidays?
I haven't posted anything before today in case, for some reason, my insurance company doesn't approve it. Of course, I'll appeal! :-)
Until I know more...
Christy
I am scheduled for December 19th and should be off work 2-4 weeks. I requested close to Christmas because that is my slow time at work and Morgan will be out of school so I won't have to worry about how she will get there. And, who wouldn't want to hang out at home with their kid during the holidays?
I haven't posted anything before today in case, for some reason, my insurance company doesn't approve it. Of course, I'll appeal! :-)
Until I know more...
Christy
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Wednesday October 19, 2011
Yesterday Jamey and I celebrated our 15th wedding anniverary. I can't believe we've been married that long. It feels like 5 years maybe! Time does fly!
So here are my updates...
I went to see Dr. Bussey, the breast surgeon. She examined me, said everything looks great and then released me. She doesn't need to see me anymore unless I have an issue. So happy to be released by her!
I also had my appointment with Dr. Cloven. She is an oncology gynecologist. She specializes in cancer of the girly parts, for lack of better words :)
Let me first say, I do NOT have cancer of the girly parts but since my estrogen level is up, I went to talk to her about a hysterectomy. She did an exam and said everything felt good. She is sending me for an ultrasound of the ovaries and uterus just to see. She isn't convinced that a complete hysterectomy is the way to go unless I have any other underlying issues other than the estrogen level. Plus she said insurance might not pay for it.
So this brings the debate... since when did the insurance company become CEO of my body? SO irritating!
So after the extra tests, Jamey and I have a decision to make. I would love to go ahead and get rid of any extra girly parts that I, number one, am done using (no more kids) and number two, is just somewhere else for the cancer to MAYBE spread.
There are no studies out there that show one way or the other, that if I remove my ovaries and uterus, that I won't get cancer again. Or if I leave them in I will or won't get cancer... confusing huh?
So until then, I'm living life!
Love to all!
Christy
So here are my updates...
I went to see Dr. Bussey, the breast surgeon. She examined me, said everything looks great and then released me. She doesn't need to see me anymore unless I have an issue. So happy to be released by her!
I also had my appointment with Dr. Cloven. She is an oncology gynecologist. She specializes in cancer of the girly parts, for lack of better words :)
Let me first say, I do NOT have cancer of the girly parts but since my estrogen level is up, I went to talk to her about a hysterectomy. She did an exam and said everything felt good. She is sending me for an ultrasound of the ovaries and uterus just to see. She isn't convinced that a complete hysterectomy is the way to go unless I have any other underlying issues other than the estrogen level. Plus she said insurance might not pay for it.
So this brings the debate... since when did the insurance company become CEO of my body? SO irritating!
So after the extra tests, Jamey and I have a decision to make. I would love to go ahead and get rid of any extra girly parts that I, number one, am done using (no more kids) and number two, is just somewhere else for the cancer to MAYBE spread.
There are no studies out there that show one way or the other, that if I remove my ovaries and uterus, that I won't get cancer again. Or if I leave them in I will or won't get cancer... confusing huh?
So until then, I'm living life!
Love to all!
Christy
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