Like night and dayor
Four Amazing Words*
Yesterday was another 3 month oncologist follow-up appointment.
I was dreading it. Didn't realize how much until today. I'd checked side effects of my ongoing anti-cancer drugs on line... and identified 13 out of 25 side effects. I don't want to "cut and run" from cancer, but I wasn't having any fun with the symptoms, either.
After a pretty in depth discussion, with affirmations and validations from my husband (i.e., Yes, she's REALLY moody), the oncologist said my symptoms are probably more related to a lack of estrogen (which is GOOD if you are a cancer survivor-- but BAD if you've been a woman.) He also said I was being hard on myself. Expecting too much vim, vigor and recovery.
He pulled out his magic RX pad and wrote up a request for my most annoying symptom (aching joints). He gave me a NEW Rx for an old (generic) anti-inflammatory that may help joint/muscle pain. He did not discourage me from my health-food store supplies of Glucosamine and Omega oil, either. AND he added some extra tests to the blood work request (which required that the blood lab draw two MORE tubes of blood) to see if B12, D and Thyroid levels were OK. He'd recently been to a seminar that discussed how important vitamine D is to cancer recovery. (So get out there in the sun!!
When I got home, I was weepy but relieved that there was some action that could/can be taken. Next appointment with him is on the day you get here for Christmas. Only 6 weeks. He says he'll probably ask me to restart the anti-cancer meds if the anti-inflammatory is helpful. He was encouraging about getting to the gym -- and apologized that the anti-cancer meds contribute to weight gain.
This morning I woke up a NEW WOMAN. I can't believe that one good cry and one tablet could make that much difference. But it sure felt good not to hurt.
And it felt good to say that I thought I would be "all better" by now, and that it was d*mned discouraging that I wasn't. (Of course the fact that I still have birthdays and am older everyday "shouldn't" make any difference, right?)
And I wouldn't trade my problems for anybody else's.
For today, I am grateful. (I've started a Thanksgiving gratitude list-- check the side bar.)
*This too shall pass.
3 comments:
Yeah, you ARE too hard on yourself. :) And it must be reassuring to know that doctor didn't think you should be running marathons by now or anything...
Can't wait to see you in six weeks! Hugs.
I've got nothing profound to say except that I have nothing but admiration for you and I wish I was there to give you a big hug and maybe some fun girl type shopping and eating and talking. I'm glad you're still here, but wish the price was a little easier to live with.
Blessings and much happiness to you -- and may there be really good gelato in your immediate future.
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