Health Update XIV (A celebratory update!!!)

Soldiers,

I want to first commend you on all your hard work...it has paid off! I received an email from my oncologist today with the results of my last MRI which was done this past Tuesday. In her words:

The MRI actually shows that there is no detectable cancer there--showing that the AC and Taxol have been VERY effective.

This is fabulous news! This is what we have been working for! Thank you for your prayers and all other forms of encouragement and support. Thank you is not enough my beautiful army.

Of course this begs the question "So what next?" Things will still most likely proceed as planned. I have one more round of chemo, and then in early January I will meet with my surgeon to discuss the recommendations he has. I believe I can reasonably hope that he won't feel the need to recommend a mastectomy but instead a lumpectomy of the tumor site in the margins around where they placed the metal clip. Then most likely radiation therapy after that. So I still have a long haul, but this is such a wonderful and encouraging start.

I had chemo this week on Wednesday. I was originally scheduled to have it on Tuesday but they asked me if I minded waiting one day so they could have an MRI done and read the results from it. Based on the results Heather changed my drugs to Abraxane which is a form of Taxol with the hopes that I would not have the terrible pain side effect I was experiencing on Taxol. I still had a prescription for some narcotic pain meds filled just in case, but I would be happy if I did not need to take them. Being all zoned out on pain killers is not all that much nicer than not being in pain. I still have numbness in my feet and hands, and I am taking Vitamin B6, a homeopathic form of St. John's Wort called Hypericum, and another supplement called N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine to help with that. I just started the Hypericum today and it means I cannot eat mint or chocolate b/c for an unknown reason these things disrupt homeopathic remedies. I am BUMMED about both; b/c I love chocolate and b/c I use the Burt's Bees lip balm addictively. But I would rather be able to button up my coat and not feel like I am walking on an appendage that has fallen asleep.

Chemo yesterday was given by the same woman who hooked up my meds wrong and had them spilling on the floor a couple of treatments ago. Lesson: Not all techs are created equal. She also administered another ovarian suppression shot to me and it HURT and bled and today I am bruised from it. It was not nearly that dramatic or ridiculous when the last person did it. I know that with this shot I have at least a minimum of three more months for more 'power surges' and etc.

I was also told by the nurse practitioner that the menopausal side effects of chemo sometimes last for a couple of years. This gave me some tears. I am trying really hard to keep my chin up about that and I will work to get my body healed from the effects of chemo for the rest of my life. Next I might have everyone praying that I get my period...eeewww gross! =)

I have been on leave from work. That has been tough, but good so far. The first week was spent doing a good bit of wallowing and feeling sorry for myself. I went into the clinic to get my Nuelasta shot that week and when the tech asked me how I was doing I burst into tears. (embarrassing!) She was sweet and invited me to have lunch with her thinking I was just bored and didn't have anything to do. I declined, but thought it was a very kind gesture. The next week my family came for Thanksgiving so they were here from Tues-Sunday over the holiday. That was very diverting and fun. My parents, sister and niece came and they kept me busy and occupied. My mother and father cranked out a meal large enough for 20 people in my teeny tiny kitchen, and the weather was nice enough that we were able to eat on my porch which was awesome. Other highlights of the visit were taking H.G. swimming at the Y and she humiliated me by becoming a screaming banshee when it was time to go! This kid loves to swim...it must run in the genes. I am sure my father will have her certified to Scuba Dive like the rest of us as soon as PADI regulations allow for it. My sister and I also cleaned my house (big sigh of relief) and she bathed my dogs. My mother also treated us to a Lilliputian breakfast of soft boiled eggs served in dainty little egg cups and toast 'soldier's' on the side almost every morning. (get on your British accent) It was quite lovely! The whole visit was wonderful, fun and uplifting.

I have been going to the Y regularly. I have not worked out a routine yet, but what I have been doing is a half hour on the bikes, a half hour in the pool and then using the hot tub, steam room and sauna. Let me tell you, the hot tub, steam room and sauna are worth the price of admission alone! The last few times I have been there I have spent over two hours, and I feel like in an alternative universe I am a trophy wife who has nothing better to do than work out everyday....of course not many trophy wives swim in the pool with their bald tattooed head visible to the whole world. I think that most people might think I am homosexual because of my appearance, which really cracks me up. I certainly prefer it to anyone thinking I am a cancer patient upon first glance.

I will be using the time off of work to travel home for Christmas which I am very happy to be able to do. My doctor actually said she recommends it when I ran it by her. I will have lots of time for catching up with friends in the area and just relaxing with my family before heading into the next storm.

Your encouragement has pushed me forward; I cannot express in words the feelings of love and gratitude. It will just have to suffice when you all get your purple hearts and yachts with ipods in them.

I salute you.

Love Fabulous Love,

Princess PadM.J., who has no detectable signs of cancer!! Take THAT Darth Cindy! And THAT Lord Cancer! (Insert way cool slow motion karate moves here)