Thanks to everyone for your emails and calls over the last few weeks as I returned to work. It has been hectic coping with the tiredness I felt the first week working and getting my youngest ready to go spend the year at a university in Germany. This morning I sent Ali off to Konstanz by way of Washington D.C. and then Zurich. Courtney is busy awaiting the birth of her daughter and Corey and I are looking forward to a nice bike ride this weekend and another sailing lesson.
I hope to have time to continue my breast cancer primer and work on blog weekly in the weeks to come.
Penny
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Back to Work
I am headed back to Phoenix tomorrow and to work on Monday. I am feeling pretty good. War wounds still evident: one large scab on my right breast and 5 other scars of various sizes and in various states of healing, 2 scars on my left. Corey says every day, "Well, Pen, today you are cancer free". I hope he is right!
We had signed up to start sailing lessons before last May but had to put them off - started them last weekend. The first lesson was a day with a gentle breeze. We rigged the boat ourselves and that was fun. Corey took the first turn with the rudder and mainsail, I did the jib ( front sail). It was fun but I was nervous.
The second lesson was on a very windy day. Steering the boat was hard and Corey was a little nervous by the time he sailed us out of the docks past million dollar boats and with a ton of traffic. I was even more nervous when my turn at the rudder came. Every time you sail across the wind (tack) you need to shift sides of the boat and if the boat goes too high one side you release the mainsail a little.
Our poor instructor could see we were stressed and suggested that he sail us out of the harbor and onto the open water so we could have some fun. We readily agreed and the instructor took the rudder and main sail while Corey had the jib. I could relax. We sailed out and were getting ready to turn back when the instructor called for us to switch side and Corey to release the jib. It was a little too quick for Corey to respond ( this is a big guy on a little boat) and over the boat went ( this is called turtling or capsizing). The instructor scrambled up on the side and then onto the centerboard and Corey and I went for a swim in the Pacific!
Wow - you could tell the instructor was mortified but Corey and I are both comfortable swimmers and we calmly untangled ourselves from the lines and moved away from the sail so he could right the boat and we did get back on the boat but non too gracefully. Actually, Corey and I were much less tense after that but the instructor was really nervous! I told Corey that we might have to go back to kayaking.
The girls and Ryan have been out this week. We have had fun but will probably go to Newport next August. Just think, next August we will have Ali home from Germany and baby Zebedee to spoil!
We had signed up to start sailing lessons before last May but had to put them off - started them last weekend. The first lesson was a day with a gentle breeze. We rigged the boat ourselves and that was fun. Corey took the first turn with the rudder and mainsail, I did the jib ( front sail). It was fun but I was nervous.
The second lesson was on a very windy day. Steering the boat was hard and Corey was a little nervous by the time he sailed us out of the docks past million dollar boats and with a ton of traffic. I was even more nervous when my turn at the rudder came. Every time you sail across the wind (tack) you need to shift sides of the boat and if the boat goes too high one side you release the mainsail a little.
Our poor instructor could see we were stressed and suggested that he sail us out of the harbor and onto the open water so we could have some fun. We readily agreed and the instructor took the rudder and main sail while Corey had the jib. I could relax. We sailed out and were getting ready to turn back when the instructor called for us to switch side and Corey to release the jib. It was a little too quick for Corey to respond ( this is a big guy on a little boat) and over the boat went ( this is called turtling or capsizing). The instructor scrambled up on the side and then onto the centerboard and Corey and I went for a swim in the Pacific!
Wow - you could tell the instructor was mortified but Corey and I are both comfortable swimmers and we calmly untangled ourselves from the lines and moved away from the sail so he could right the boat and we did get back on the boat but non too gracefully. Actually, Corey and I were much less tense after that but the instructor was really nervous! I told Corey that we might have to go back to kayaking.
The girls and Ryan have been out this week. We have had fun but will probably go to Newport next August. Just think, next August we will have Ali home from Germany and baby Zebedee to spoil!
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Sunday Times
Enjoying today because I am finally starting to feel better. My sister and brother-in-law Phil came out to Redondo for the weekend. I walked on Friday. Saturday, Corey and I walked down to an old car show and I made the four of us fish, curried rice and coleslaw for dinner. We all watched The Big Bang Theory afterward. They left today. We plan to walk to the library later today.
I head back to Phoenix on Tuesday morning for a full schedule of doctor appointments on Wednesday and Thursday. Ali will be home on Tuesday as well and I can't wait to see her.
A Creed
There is a Destiny that makes us brothers;
None goes his way alone:
All that we send into the lives of others
Comes back into our own.
I care not what his temples or his creeds,
One thing holds firm and fast-
That into his fateful heap of days and deeds
The soul of man is cast.
Edwin Markham
Trivia: I love this poem of Edwin Markham's but he is really famous for another very short poem that my Dad used to recite all the time:
Outwitted
He drew a circle that shut me out—
Heretic, rebel, a thing to flout.
But love and I had the wit to win:
We drew a circle that took him in!
To read more of his poems see http://www.sjsu.edu/reading/markham.htm
I head back to Phoenix on Tuesday morning for a full schedule of doctor appointments on Wednesday and Thursday. Ali will be home on Tuesday as well and I can't wait to see her.
A Creed
There is a Destiny that makes us brothers;
None goes his way alone:
All that we send into the lives of others
Comes back into our own.
I care not what his temples or his creeds,
One thing holds firm and fast-
That into his fateful heap of days and deeds
The soul of man is cast.
Edwin Markham
Trivia: I love this poem of Edwin Markham's but he is really famous for another very short poem that my Dad used to recite all the time:
Outwitted
He drew a circle that shut me out—
Heretic, rebel, a thing to flout.
But love and I had the wit to win:
We drew a circle that took him in!
To read more of his poems see http://www.sjsu.edu/reading/markham.htm
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Positive Energy Needed
Please keep these people in your heart today, Linda K's sister - she had surgery on Tuesday and needs to heal well to continue the journey. Elle starts chemo tomorrow and I am sure she is scared. Kathy W. moving through the process of early breast cancer. Tracy B. lost her gallbladder and is worried she becoming hooked on the 3 vicodin she has taken for pain. My brother-in-law Phil.
I am back on the Toradol for my Lupus and starting to feel better already. I am trying to walk everyday.
I still have a tiny opening present where the SAVI device came out. No drainage.
Genetics came back negative for the BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations. BRCA1 and BRCA2 stand for Breast Cancer Susceptibility gene 1 and 2. These are human genes that help supress tumors when they are normal. If the genes have changed or mutated they can increase the chances that breast or ovarian cancer will develop. Mutations are also linked with other types of cancers as well. In my case, this means my ovaries stay put.
I am not in menopause- I could have told them that because there are days I still feel those hormones pumping! This means I am not eligible for the alternative to Tamoxifin or any research studies which would get me other alternatives. I will write more about these drugs in a future post.
Still waiting for my vitamin D level to see how the mega doses that I have been taking helped and becoming a freak about taking anti-oxidants.
I am back on the Toradol for my Lupus and starting to feel better already. I am trying to walk everyday.
I still have a tiny opening present where the SAVI device came out. No drainage.
Genetics came back negative for the BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations. BRCA1 and BRCA2 stand for Breast Cancer Susceptibility gene 1 and 2. These are human genes that help supress tumors when they are normal. If the genes have changed or mutated they can increase the chances that breast or ovarian cancer will develop. Mutations are also linked with other types of cancers as well. In my case, this means my ovaries stay put.
I am not in menopause- I could have told them that because there are days I still feel those hormones pumping! This means I am not eligible for the alternative to Tamoxifin or any research studies which would get me other alternatives. I will write more about these drugs in a future post.
Still waiting for my vitamin D level to see how the mega doses that I have been taking helped and becoming a freak about taking anti-oxidants.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Second Things First. Update 07-21-2009
The first thing you should do when diagnosed with breast cancer is get a second opinion. Dr. John Canady, MD, a professor at the University of Iowa is a firm believer in second opinions. "It's amazing to me," he says, "how people will go to multiple places looking for a car but go to one doctor's office when making a decision that they will have to live with for the rest of their life."
I interviewed two doctors for each phase of my treatment and am so happy that I did. There are many ways to approach medicine and I found that while many practitioners will treat cancer, not all are on the cutting edge. Not one physician was upset when I said I would be seeking a second opinion or that I had come for a second opinion.
Ask people who have already had breast cancer what they would do and who they had for doctors. Elle H., a new friend with breast cancer, said that making that call to another person with breast cancer was the hardest call she ever made during her treatment, "...but it turned out to be the best call as well. After getting off the phone I had more confidence in my doctors and decisions." I hope this blog will serve to support others with breast cancer as well.
In Arizona there is a wonderful service called the Arizona Institute for Breast Health (AIBH), which is a non-profit organization that provides education and support to newly diagnosed patients about their treatment options, completely free of charge. These second opinions are offered through a multi-disciplinary panel of Breast Cancer Specialists and each patient that is seen through the program is guided and supported by a patient advocate, a breast cancer survivor herself. Contact AIBH through their website http://www.aibh.org/or by calling 480-860-4200.
You do not have to be a resident of Arizona to take advantage of this service!
I interviewed two doctors for each phase of my treatment and am so happy that I did. There are many ways to approach medicine and I found that while many practitioners will treat cancer, not all are on the cutting edge. Not one physician was upset when I said I would be seeking a second opinion or that I had come for a second opinion.
Ask people who have already had breast cancer what they would do and who they had for doctors. Elle H., a new friend with breast cancer, said that making that call to another person with breast cancer was the hardest call she ever made during her treatment, "...but it turned out to be the best call as well. After getting off the phone I had more confidence in my doctors and decisions." I hope this blog will serve to support others with breast cancer as well.
In Arizona there is a wonderful service called the Arizona Institute for Breast Health (AIBH), which is a non-profit organization that provides education and support to newly diagnosed patients about their treatment options, completely free of charge. These second opinions are offered through a multi-disciplinary panel of Breast Cancer Specialists and each patient that is seen through the program is guided and supported by a patient advocate, a breast cancer survivor herself. Contact AIBH through their website http://www.aibh.org/or by calling 480-860-4200.
You do not have to be a resident of Arizona to take advantage of this service!
Monday, July 20, 2009
Walk to the Edge
“Live with intention. Walk to the edge. Listen hard. Practice wellness.
Play with abandon. Laugh. Choose with no regret. Continue to learn.
Appreciate your friends. Do what you love. Live as if this is all there is.”
—Mary Anne Roadacher-Hershey – author, speaker
Update: I am in Redondo and out of the 113 degree heat so that is a blessing. I seem to be having auto-immune symptoms, my mouth is filled with sores, I feel like I have pleurisy on the right side of my rib cage and I am tired. All that said I took a little walk along the beach today which I have not been able to do. I am embarrassed to say this in case anyone reads it in Phoenix but it was hot out there!
What a blessing it is to have something happen that reminds you of all that is important. My husband, my family, my friends, my work; all seem a little bit sweeter. The earth seems more important, the ocean a little bluer, time a more important commodity.
Play with abandon. Laugh. Choose with no regret. Continue to learn.
Appreciate your friends. Do what you love. Live as if this is all there is.”
—Mary Anne Roadacher-Hershey – author, speaker
Update: I am in Redondo and out of the 113 degree heat so that is a blessing. I seem to be having auto-immune symptoms, my mouth is filled with sores, I feel like I have pleurisy on the right side of my rib cage and I am tired. All that said I took a little walk along the beach today which I have not been able to do. I am embarrassed to say this in case anyone reads it in Phoenix but it was hot out there!
What a blessing it is to have something happen that reminds you of all that is important. My husband, my family, my friends, my work; all seem a little bit sweeter. The earth seems more important, the ocean a little bluer, time a more important commodity.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Radiation Helpful Hints - Updated 07-20-2009
Please feel free to add these hints if you have ideas from having radiation or from other types experiences. I would love to have a really comprehensive list for people to peruse.
Bring an IPod or an MP3 Player: Listening to your own music is so soothing and keeps your mind off the machine noises. For days when you do not feel as well try uplifting, classical or light tunes. Some days when you feel the fire - rock and roll is just the thing.
Reading material or puzzles are indispensable. I like to read series starting at the beginning and work my way through so I always have something to pick up and go with.
Try to look happy when checking in and leaving. Most of those waiting in the lobby are at the beginning of the journey and we need to show them that we can do it and so can they.
Plan a treat. If you are having brachytherapy you may want to schedule to have your hair professionally washed and styled - no showers for the duration of partial breast radiation. Try a pedicure, a facial, or a new dessert.
Thanks to other readers for these tips:
Finding a good lotion to use on the breast afterwards is important to keep the skin from becoming leathery. Lots of readers mention this and these lotions were suggested by them. (You might try to get a sample or small size first. )
*Dove Cream Oil Intensive Body Lotion
*Lubriderm Sensitive Skin Therapy Lotion
*Lubriderm Shea & Cocoa Butter Lotion
*Bliss Naked Body Butter
*Avon Naturals - comes in several flavors but the reader preferred Cucumber Melon or Vanilla.
*Several readers raved about Aquaphor and others hated it.
Other tips included:
Tell your friends, "It’s okay to ask me how I’m doing. Just don’t ask every day. "
Ask if you can participate in any research studies.
Bring an IPod or an MP3 Player: Listening to your own music is so soothing and keeps your mind off the machine noises. For days when you do not feel as well try uplifting, classical or light tunes. Some days when you feel the fire - rock and roll is just the thing.
Reading material or puzzles are indispensable. I like to read series starting at the beginning and work my way through so I always have something to pick up and go with.
Try to look happy when checking in and leaving. Most of those waiting in the lobby are at the beginning of the journey and we need to show them that we can do it and so can they.
Plan a treat. If you are having brachytherapy you may want to schedule to have your hair professionally washed and styled - no showers for the duration of partial breast radiation. Try a pedicure, a facial, or a new dessert.
Thanks to other readers for these tips:
Finding a good lotion to use on the breast afterwards is important to keep the skin from becoming leathery. Lots of readers mention this and these lotions were suggested by them. (You might try to get a sample or small size first. )
*Dove Cream Oil Intensive Body Lotion
*Lubriderm Sensitive Skin Therapy Lotion
*Lubriderm Shea & Cocoa Butter Lotion
*Bliss Naked Body Butter
*Avon Naturals - comes in several flavors but the reader preferred Cucumber Melon or Vanilla.
*Several readers raved about Aquaphor and others hated it.
Other tips included:
Tell your friends, "It’s okay to ask me how I’m doing. Just don’t ask every day. "
Ask if you can participate in any research studies.
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