Hey there, Babs. It's so nice to see you; I think about you often and hope you are doing well. Are you still having scans and stuff or have you refused further treatment? Which hormone suppressant do you take?
I take Anastrozole and have no side effects except a hot flash now and then. I don't do scans, etc. I'm just letting my body tell me what it's doing. I'm still pain free, my Nurse still comes every two weeks and I am living my life peacefully one day at a time. I did not want to ride that cancer treatment roller coaster that takes control of most of your quality of life. It's a little over two years now and I have never doubted the decision God helped me make that is right for me. This is my 70th birthday party on Feb 25th with 4 on our 9 grandkids and my Honey.
I'm so happy for you, Babs. Unfortunately for me, having IBC meant I had to get on the "cancer assembly line" or my aggressive disease would spread rapidly. So I'll do what I have to do and hope for the best. I'm glad you had a great birthday with your precious family.
I did have a great birthday that we had 2 string out over two days so we could get everyone in that wanted to come. I know your cancer is different than mine Beth and we do have to each figure out what is best for us to do. I'm praying and knowing that all of us will not leave this earth until it is our time to go to our eternal Home in Heaven. In the meantime praying God's best for all of you.
Tomorrow is Taxol #6 chemotherapy. That is the halfway point with Taxol and I'm so grateful that it truly hasn't been bad at all as far as side effects. When I focus on what lies ahead I still get scared and depressed, though. I thought I was through the "meltdown" stage but last night proved me wrong. My hair is falling out in handfuls and that sends me into a crying jag.
Good that you are making it through this with out side effects except for losing hair. Even though this is probably one of the better side affects (health wise), it is still one of the most traumatic ones, and you are entitled to have a meltdown when necessary.
That's exactly how I feel Beth...and I didn't want it to take over my life either. Spending most of my time going to appointments, tests, chemo, radiation, etc., etc. was just not for me. And since I truly believe God has our number of days written in His book of Life and we aren't going anywhere until He says it's time...it was an easy and peace filled choice for me. Basically I have chosen Palliative/Hospice Care so that I am free to live my life as comfortable and as near to my normal ways of living as possible. We each have to choose the road we feel is best for us and with all my heart I pray God will grant you success on the one you have chosen.
Hugs to all of you that are sharing your experiences and shining light on the darkness of cancer. It sounds like all of you have made the right decisions for yourselves and are staying the course of your decisions.
My doctor hasn't ordered the Ultrasound yet, Beth. I'd rather have it before the radiation since I am getting zapped with the strongest rays around and doing both lungs will take a toll on me as radiation is cumulative. But, this one needs a bomb put under her. She does things without consulting me and she ticks me off no end. Told me to use ginger oil on my arthritic wrists. I told he to stuff it. I cannot even stand the smell of ginger. She never shuts up and lets me get a word in edgewise. I plan on dumping her when I am finished with all my radiation. My oncologist was a tad irritated with her as well. So was my pulmonologist for that matter. Keep the faith, kiddo. You're doing just fine.
Ugh, some doctors are beyond annoying. Sounds like it's time for a change in your physician lineup, TC! I'd want the ultrasound before the radiation, too. Guess you're going to have to "go Jersey Girl" on them!!