Like an ominous and looming cloud, just like the ones in today's central Ohio sky, I knew this day was coming but it wasn't until noon-time that I realized today was the day. Last year, on the day before Thanksgiving, I had my first chemo session. Wow! I can't believe it has been one year.
During the fourth week of November, Americans typically like discuss thankfulness. In regards to chemo, there isn't much to be thankful. The experience sucks - there is really no other way to describe it. But if I had to say what I am thankful for in regards to chemo, I do have a few thoughts.
I am relieved that despite feeling nauseous at times, I never vomited. My wig wasn't horrible, and many people just assumed I had a slightly bad haircut (and some even complimented me on my new style). And I must recognize the the chemo nurses who made each chemo treatment session bearable, and sometimes, even slightly entertaining.
But in regards to true thankfulness, I am most thankful for my awesome husband, who I'm sure had his moments of frustration or anger, but never let me see them. I could not have survived those 5-months of chemo (or any of the many cancer-related surgeries, doctor's visits, psychological meltdowns, etc... throughout the entire cancer ordeal) without him and his unrelenting and unwavering support. Thank you. I love you.
As I not-so-fondly remember the chemo experience, I can smile and say, also thankfully, that the best part is now -- being finished, and have been finished for over six months. The port was removed last month. No more toxic chemicals flowing through my veins. Phew!
P.S. I can't forget to thank Betsy, who encouraged me to take way more naps than I probably needed. And Daisy, whose squeaks and antics will always make me laugh.
25 November 2009
08 November 2009
Possible Chemical Cause
Yesterday NYTimes columnist, Nicholas Kristoff, published a piece on BPA (Bisphenol A) and a potential link to breast cancer. BPA is a chemical commonly found in plastics (think nalgene water bottle or baby formula bottle). Whatever the cause of the breast cancer epidemic may be, and the cause is unknown, I am always curious to hear the latest theory:
"Chemicals in Our Food, Our Bodies." New York Times, November 7, 2009. Online version.
P.S. More on BPA from the Wikipedia page on Risk Factors of breast cancer.
P.P.S. Nalgene's response to the BPA controversy.
"Chemicals in Our Food, Our Bodies." New York Times, November 7, 2009. Online version.
P.S. More on BPA from the Wikipedia page on Risk Factors of breast cancer.
P.P.S. Nalgene's response to the BPA controversy.
07 November 2009
Healing
Monday will mark three weeks since my 15+ hour surgery. My surgical team completed the following procedures: a prophylactic mastectomy on the left side, a sentinel lymph node biopsy on same side, a removal of my chemo port, a removal of the tissue expander, and bilateral reconstruction of both breasts using the fat from my stomach. I spent 5 days in the hospital following the surgery, and was able to go home on the following Saturday afternoon. This meant I was home on Sunday for my first wedding anniversary :)
Following the surgery, I had 4 drainage tubes. Turns out having 4 drainage tube is as bad as having only 1. They just suck. Luckily my tubes were removed less than a week after my release from the hospital. During the days following my release, one of the abdominal tubes became loose, but my local doctor stitched for me. The next day, my surgeon removed it.
For those of you unaware of the tubes (see also Wikipedia entry for photo), the tubes are placed in patients in order to collect the overflow of fluids the body produces. The body can only absorb about 30cc of fluid, so doctors typically will not remove the tubes until the tubes collect 30 cc or less during a 24-hour period.
Once the tubes were removed, I became a new person. I could walk better. My appetite returned (I did not have much of an appetite for a couple of weeks). My energy levels began to increase. I could climb stairs which meant that I could sleep in my bed rather than on the couch (which was beginning to hurt my back).
My energy levels are not great. I take nice long naps. I can take short walks around the neighborhood or large box stores, but need to walk slowly and take short breaks. The pain is also decreasing, but is not gone. I am definitely healing, and am looking forward to the day when I feel comfortable walking by myself around the neighborhood and don't hurt so much.
Following the surgery, I had 4 drainage tubes. Turns out having 4 drainage tube is as bad as having only 1. They just suck. Luckily my tubes were removed less than a week after my release from the hospital. During the days following my release, one of the abdominal tubes became loose, but my local doctor stitched for me. The next day, my surgeon removed it.
For those of you unaware of the tubes (see also Wikipedia entry for photo), the tubes are placed in patients in order to collect the overflow of fluids the body produces. The body can only absorb about 30cc of fluid, so doctors typically will not remove the tubes until the tubes collect 30 cc or less during a 24-hour period.
Once the tubes were removed, I became a new person. I could walk better. My appetite returned (I did not have much of an appetite for a couple of weeks). My energy levels began to increase. I could climb stairs which meant that I could sleep in my bed rather than on the couch (which was beginning to hurt my back).
My energy levels are not great. I take nice long naps. I can take short walks around the neighborhood or large box stores, but need to walk slowly and take short breaks. The pain is also decreasing, but is not gone. I am definitely healing, and am looking forward to the day when I feel comfortable walking by myself around the neighborhood and don't hurt so much.
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