Thought I'd give you an update on my health/dr appts/milestones/etc since it's been a while.
Herceptin treatments are moving along. Every Thursday morning I go to get my 30 minute infusion. Yesterday I received treatment #41. I'm still on track to finish with #52 the week before Thanksgiving, November 18. Hooray! That day will officially end my treatment. A big milestone in my journey!
The last assessment of my heart in July showed its function is normal. Why is this a big deal? You may remember that Herceptin can cause cardiac toxicity.....damage my heart. I'm pretty fond of my heart and don't want to risk any short or long term damage. Therefore, I get echo tests every 12 weeks and opted for weekly Herceptin instead of once every 3 weeks which can cause greater strain on my heart.
I struggled with neuropathy in July and August. It was the worst ever. Not really sure why. Maybe weather, travel, being off my diet and routine while away from home. My finger tips and toes were numb and hurt in a weird sort of way. Hard to explain. My naturopath recommended a supplement along with Alpha Lipoic Acid to address the issue. It worked like a charm and I haven't felt the sensation in a few weeks. Thank goodness!
Yesterday I had a DEXA scan to measure my bone density so I have a baseline. Now that my body was forced into early menopause after my hysterectomy, I need to be proactive about osteoporosis. A couple months ago I had a urine test that measured my "turn-over" rate of calcium. It was normal. Now we need a snap shot of my bones to see where I'm at and if any aggressive supplements are needed. The DEXA was super easy & short compared to all the other tests I've been subjected to.
My next PET scan is scheduled for next week...Thursday, September 9 at 10am. That one isn't quite as easy and a bit longer. It's been 6 months since my last scan. It's gone so fast. I'm sure it will be a clean result...NED (no evidence of disease). However, my anxiety is beginning to ramp and won't decline until I have the radiologist report in my hand.
Once I have the clean report in my hand, I will contact my surgeon to get my port removed. Hopefully in December. Can't wait for that! The port is used for my IV treatments...much easier & safer than sticking an IV in my veins every week. My chest and ribs are still so sore from surgery and radiation. It will be nice to have the irritation of the port out and begin full healing. My onc said my ribs and chest will be sore for a while. I don't have much meat in this area so the port sticks out. When I bump the port, it hurts. One more surgery before the end of the year. It should be a quick, easy one. Another big milestone!
Please pray for a clean PET scan next week and patience & peace as I wait for the results. Thanks!
Always with gratitude and love, srb
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