Here it is, April 21, 2009, and I am happy to report that I’m doing fine! It’s hard to believe that 9 months has gone by since I discovered a pea-size lump in July 2008.
My base line bone density scan done in March was normal, I have had no side effects from the Lupron injections, and the occassional hot flash from the tamoxifen and Lupron is hardly worth mentioning. Radiation treatments ended in January, and although I was warned that some radiation patients experience fatigue long after treatments end, I had none. I have noticed that I am not sleeping quite as soundly lately, possibly a menopause symptom, but, I am not bothered by it as I am fine all day long. Since I’m up at about 5am with the dogs, I am accustomed to getting to bed early, so I seem to be getting plenty of rest.
Of concern is the looming decision about using Zometa infusions after talking with my dentist about osteonecrosis of the jaw, which appently is more common than we are led to believe. I realize that the risk is small, but this condition is not reversible, is painful, and can cause disfigurement and tooth loss. Since my bones are fine now, I have decided not use Zometa right away. Things will change if I develop osteoporosis from the Lupron. Also, the cancer fighting abilities of Zometa are significant in the study of 1800 women, but even so, the final tally is that 98% of these women survived with no recurrence after 3 years. The other 2% did not, and some of these women were on Zometa. Since I am committed to helping myself and living a healthy lifestyle, I’ve decided to take my chances unless osteoporosis becomes a threat. Zometa has many other possible side-effects associated with it too, even though it is apparently an effective drug to treat osteoporosis. It will be interesting to hear what else Dr. Ligibel has to report on Zometa when we see her again next month.
I have continued with regular exercise although I have changed my routine to give some variety to my workouts. I like Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred, a tough half hour workout. The intermediate Fluidity workout is another tough one, but it sure feels good. My treadmill and iPod are my “staples”. I am trying a Pilates class on Monday nights starting next week, after trying a ballet barre class a couple of weeks ago that I did not feel was really for me. The other two women in the class were experienced ballet dancers with lots of training, and I was reaching back to my ballet classes from forty years ago! All I could do was follow along in my new pink ballet slippers! It was a good workout though.
I am very fortunate and happy to report that my breast cancer experience hasn’t ended my world, but given me a new and more productive life. Things aren’t the same, they are actually better. There is a new awareness which makes me behave differently. I don’t take anything for granted. I am learning to live with having cancer, but I don’t feel hindered in any way by it. This is a far cry from my original reaction, that day in August when the phone rang and I learned that I had breast cancer. It was shock, disbelief and denial, surely a nightmare that I would soon awake from. But, life doesn’t work that way. I’ve learned that it is our responsibility as human beings, as family members, as friends and co-workers, to be diligent and strong, to take care of ourselves, to do whatever it takes to help ourselves. When all is said and done, that is the most meaningful way to show that you love someone, and to find peace.
