On Tuesday, I did a stress echo test at my cardiologists office. It's basically an ultrasound study of the heart that evaluates the heart's size, how strongly it pumps and how well the valves are working. The ultrasound is done prior to exercise, at an elevated heart rate after walking on an inclined treadmill and then again after my heart rate has slowed down. I had 10 electrodes stuck to my chest during the test. It was a walk in the park for me. However, based on my observations of other patients in the waiting room, I'm certain many people find the test challenging. They even asked Mark to leave the room for the test in case I experienced a medical emergency they didn't want him to be in the way. Crazy! But I have to remind myself of the "typical" patients they see. I certainly don't fit that mold, nor do I want to.
Anyway......my heart is NORMAL!! Yeah! Over one more hurdle!! The doctor gave me results immediately. She sees no reason for me to begin Herceptin again. It's unclear if the MUGAscan was giving a false picture of the health of my heart or if time has healed it. My last MUGA was on October 15. It's been almost 2 months. In any event, I'm cleared to get back on Herceptin. I see my oncologist next Wednesday and we'll set a date to begin again.
On Thursday, I saw my dermatologist. I see her twice per year for full body scans to check moles, freckles, etc. She thought my radiated skin is healing nice, but I need to focus on getting the dead skin cells off to avoid any serious radiation dermatitis symptoms. I need to soak the area so it naturally falls off. It does not hurt or bother me in any way.
On the rowing front, we got in a 4 this week. It was a very different feel from an 8, but so fun. I rowed stroke in the white hat in front of our cox. Still trekking up the steep learning curve.
Last night was the annual Christmas party for my moms group from church. In the fall of 2005, I went through an 8 week journey with 12 women called Ministry of Mothers Sharing (MOMS). It was focused on learning to share, personal & spiritual growth and affirming the gifts in each other. After the 8 week session, we continued to meet once per month. We read various types of books & discuss. For various reasons our group is down to 6 women. It's a special group of women grounded in a common faith and bonded by motherhood. They are dear to me. Last night our husbands joined us and we all brought our wedding albums. What a hoot!!! One mom was home sick last night....missed you HK!
Have a great weekend! Love, srb
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