New chapter
This morning I went to see the Professor and this whole cancer thing has moved into a new phase. I am going to start a 2 year stint with the hormone therapy drug Tamoxifen, followed by 3 years of aromatase therapy. A new worry. As I've mentioned before, I seem to have unusual reactions to most medications, so it's always a worry when I am faced with a new one. This is no exception.
During this visit to the clinic I met a couple of women with whom I've crossed paths before, and they told me to do a good internet search to learn about side-effects, because 'here they don't tell you anything'. When I got home, I dutifullly started to research, but stopped after a few pages, because I realised that knowledge is not always a good thing.
Today (shock horror!) I hit the 100kg mark when I stepped on the scales and I really didn't want to know that one can put on weight with Tamoxifen. That little nugget really turned me off any further research. I have a plan in place to lose the pounds, so I don't want to have in the back of my mind that it may not be possible. I feel like a stuffed goose anyway, so I don't think I could bear one more extra ounce on me.
The Prof thinks my burned-to-cinder breast will be recovered enough to go swimming in a week or two, and hopefully my feet will decide to behave as well, so I can soon put my walking shoes on and start walking some serious distances. I've actually overcome that problem somewhat by getting a pair of crocks, which are very large, open shoes that don't hurt the feet. Sort of a closed Scholls flip-flop. Unfortunately they don't take orthotics, so they are only good as interim solution.
The feeling that I have done all this on trust continues, so I made arrangements to see Angela next week. In the meantime, I focus on other things.
I just heard a really great talk by Malcolm Gladwell on the New Yorker website about prodiges and late bloomers in art and literature, and I got a real kick out of recognising that I am a late bloomer. There's hope for me yet! And this was confirmed by (prayer circle) Lucy, who introduced me to someone by email as: '.....one of the most creative writers, thinkers, social activists I know.....'
Wow, shucks Lucy...........(says she blushing and speechless at last)............
During this visit to the clinic I met a couple of women with whom I've crossed paths before, and they told me to do a good internet search to learn about side-effects, because 'here they don't tell you anything'. When I got home, I dutifullly started to research, but stopped after a few pages, because I realised that knowledge is not always a good thing.
Today (shock horror!) I hit the 100kg mark when I stepped on the scales and I really didn't want to know that one can put on weight with Tamoxifen. That little nugget really turned me off any further research. I have a plan in place to lose the pounds, so I don't want to have in the back of my mind that it may not be possible. I feel like a stuffed goose anyway, so I don't think I could bear one more extra ounce on me.
The Prof thinks my burned-to-cinder breast will be recovered enough to go swimming in a week or two, and hopefully my feet will decide to behave as well, so I can soon put my walking shoes on and start walking some serious distances. I've actually overcome that problem somewhat by getting a pair of crocks, which are very large, open shoes that don't hurt the feet. Sort of a closed Scholls flip-flop. Unfortunately they don't take orthotics, so they are only good as interim solution.
The feeling that I have done all this on trust continues, so I made arrangements to see Angela next week. In the meantime, I focus on other things.
I just heard a really great talk by Malcolm Gladwell on the New Yorker website about prodiges and late bloomers in art and literature, and I got a real kick out of recognising that I am a late bloomer. There's hope for me yet! And this was confirmed by (prayer circle) Lucy, who introduced me to someone by email as: '.....one of the most creative writers, thinkers, social activists I know.....'
Wow, shucks Lucy...........(says she blushing and speechless at last)............
Labels: breast cancer
posted by Unknown at 9:40 PM
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