June 14, 2013

My bumpy road

I guess I should start by telling you about my echocardiogram which was good and showed an ejection fraction of 62% again. So the Herceptin story continued and that Friday I had H #6. Instead of the usual 30 minutes, we let it run for an hour. I still felt pretty spiritless for three days but perhaps I was back on my feet a little earlier than last time. It's hard to compare; every time is different. It was the worst weekend ever anyway, because I knew I had to do a mammogram on Monday.

I was nervous as hell. So scared, totally freaking out, going crazy. 

I had a lumpectomy but my breast is still very sensitive (more on that later) so I was a little worried about how they would 'smash' it between the plates. But the lady was very sweet and careful. Apart from all the fear and anxiety that goes with it, the mammogram itself I don't really mind. It freakin' hurts for sure, but before you can think 'f...' it's already over!

So then she told me to wait in the little dressing room and came back after a few minutes to tell me I would get the definitive results tomorrow but that I had nothing to worry about and the photos looked fine. So right there, sitting in that little dressing room with almost no light and bird wallpaper I felt it. That sigh of relieve. 

After that I had I had to do a Dexa scan and some blood tests. I will get the results when I meet my oncologist in August. They are important for hormone blocking therapy. We haven't decided when I'm going to start that one.

So then I came home. Everybody was happy and all of a sudden that sigh of relieve was gone. I felt so overwhelmed by everything. By my own story. The story that started with a mammogram about a year ago. I could not stop crying. Uncontrollable sobbing.

The next day I met with the nurse who officially told me the results of the mammogram were fine. I think I was feeling a little bit better by then but still so sad because of everything that has happened. How can I not? We talked about therapy and mindfulness but I still haven't decided whether I want that or not.
 
So I tried picking up yoga a few weeks ago, sun salutations, but my breast and armpit are still very sensitive. Which is completely normal after all the treatment I've had. But lately my rib (it could be a muscle as well) hurts as well. I started reading about long-term side effects of radiation therapy and well it didn't make me very happy. So I called my radiologist's office and asked them for an appointment. At first it wasn't possible, because she's such a busy woman with a busy schedule but I explained everything and then I got a call back. I can come see her this Monday.

Great another visit to the hospital. 

All of a sudden I got so scared and mad because of all these side effects. It's hard to accept you're a 31 year old woman with aches and pains and feeling tired all the time. I feel like it just won't stop. It's a bumpy road? Yes but it's bump after bump. Seriously what else do they have in store for me?! How do you just accept what has happened and move on. I know I have to look at all the positive things and let go of the bad. But that is a hard thing to do. A god damn hard thing to do. Sometimes everything sucks major ass.

But hey my mammogram was fine. No signs of a tumor anymore. I AM thankful for that with my entire heart.

P.S. Thank you all for your comments on my last post. It really means a lot to me! Thanks for sticking with me and reading about my journey.

6 comments:

  1. Sounds like a whirlwind of emotions, even if that includes relief! I remember having pain in my ribs, like a stitch of something between the ribs, though it did go away and stretching seemed to help me. Though I'm certain your doctor will know much, much better. Good luck, and maybe lock yourself away for some creative doodling or reading? Sometimes it helps just to be alone :)

    Take care, and YAY for good results! ~Catherine

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    1. Thank you Catherine, you always know what to say and seem to have the right words! <3 Were there certain exercises you did or was it yoga as well?

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  2. Just a big hug!
    Hope your radiologist gave you some reassuring remarks today.
    <3

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  3. dear ciel,

    I am so sorry for all the ups and downs - it's exhausting, isn't it. I had that same rib thing and it was scary to me, too. but it did go away with no intervention. it's good that you are reaching out so that you can get support and encouragement. please know I am thinking of you and sending gentle but powerful vibes for comfort and healing.

    also sending the light of love to help you find your way with all you are dealing with.

    love, XOXO

    Karen, TC

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    1. Thank you so much Karen, your words mean a lot to me!

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