Ch. 25 - My Ups and Downs

Ch. 25 My Ups and Downs

As expected, recovery has had its ups and downs. As mentioned in my last entry I had a bone scan done due to joint aches and pain as well as morning stiffness. The results are in, AND.... unbelievably I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis. I have had this diagnosis for about 2 months now and still cannot believe it. My doctor started me on Plaquenil 10 mg. So far, it has helped and my dosage was just doubled last week due to continued joint pain and stiffness. I have spoke to many of my physician friends regarding having such bad luck, hoping that this could just be a misdiagnosis from just having chemotherapy and my system just being a little abnormal, but none of them could site any studies that could relate a new diagnosis of RA being a result of having chemotherapy. But, I have learned that several research studies have related chronic stress to both breast cancer and autoimmune diseases such as RA. So, I am really trying to learn to take is easy, but I continue to enjoy taking care of others and my job which contains a certain amount of stress. But I am learning that it is not the stress that is the problem, it is how a person reacts to the stress and how that person allows the stress to affect them. I do not know if this played a role in my situation, but I do know that I am a constant worrier and I do internalize a lot, such as worry for others and making sure everyone is happy, healthy, and taken care of. Who knows, but it is definately something to think about.

That was a down, so now for an up! My hair continues to grow back and it is very CURLY!!! I cannot wait to upload a current photo. I would upload one now, but I do not have a good recent photo, so I will have to take one. The color of my hair also is a little darker than it was before chemotherapy. But the curliness is really amazing. Some people told me that the same thing happened to their loved one after chemo, but not as curly as mine. It is really crazy. Sometimes I look in the mirror and have to remind myself that it really is me and my hair. And, it is thicker too! I really like having a fresh start with my hair. It is so healthy and shiny. It reminds my on my new beginning!

I have had many follow-up appointments in the past few weeks. About a month ago I had a real scare. I returned for my 6 month follow-up mammogram from the time of the end of radiation and the results came back abnormal, but not for my right breast, this time for my left!!! All I could think of when the doctor called me was "please not cancer again". At this point I was told to relax, that I needed a spot focus mammogram on my left breast for a closer look. Dr. Spencer-Smith told me not to worry until we have something to worry about. So a week later, I had the spot focus mammogram performed and then a few days later, the results came in. Something remained abnormal on the mammogram, calcifications were present with fibrotic changes since my last mammogram in August 2008. What ?!?!? When I found out, I tried to remain strong, but I cried. I was so scared. I know that I did jump the gun a little, but it was just so scary to even think about, cancer again, and in my healthy breast? I did not think that I had the strength to go through everything again if it were cancer. This abnormality also scared many of my physicians and medical friends and I informed them of the results and as they read my studies. The radiologist recommended a follow-up ultrasound and biopsy. Dr. Spencer-Smith was out-of-town at the time but his office did schedule me for the ultrasound, but I was told I had to wait one more week for the biopsy. When I shared this information with a very close physician friend of mine, he took me under his wing. He did not understand why I had to wait for the biopsy since we already knew that it was recommended. To make a long story shorter, Dr. Barrio, my angel, called my insurance company and got everything approved and ordered along with the help of my radiation oncologist, Dr. Grace. The ultrasound and biopsy was done on a Wednesday and the results were in by the following Monday. And... nothing to worry about. The biopsy results showed calcifications and fibrotic changes only, no malignant cancer cells were found. Thank goodness. Everyone was so relieved, but of course me most of all. What a scare. So for now, I just have another mammogram ordered for 6 months which will be in March 2009. So for now, we just wait and enjoy life again.

And to end on a good note, my mother completed the 3-day Cancer Walk in Atlanta this month. They raised thousands of dollars for breast cancer. She said that it was a life changing experience and one that she hopes to do again next year. What a great event. I will upload some photos from that event soon too! But for now, I will go (my fingers are tired and my wrist is sore). *On a side note, I had wrist surgery 3 weeks ago from an old work injury, so I am also recovering from that right now too. Truth be known, I just like to do everything at one time... just kidding! Thanks again for all of your support. Until next time.....