Its amazing.... how things work out in life. I know that God is in control and that He is working everything out. But sometimes it is difficult to see what He will do next and why. The only thing that I can gather, is so God can show His love and care in extraordinary ways. So many blessings have happened in the past six weeks since learning about my cancer, which probably wouldn't have happened otherwise.
All in all, life is good and way too busy. Yesterday I had my first appointment with my radiation oncologist. She was really terrific. I am so very pleased and confident about my team of physicians -- each of them are super with bedside manner, training & experience. Each of them have earned awards nationally and regionally in recent years. BLESSING #1 God picked out a great group of people to help me along.
My radiation oncologist, of course, examined me, beginning with those words I hear so often now "Everything off from the waist up; gown on, open in front." I even said it with her and we laughed. All is well in my healing process from the surgery, just need to wear tighter sport bras for compression on the surgical areas.
We discussed the radiation therapy (will start one month after the 1st Chemo; so in January 2015). She told me that my left breast (the one that had cancer and the lumpectomy) will probably lift and become firm like in younger years. I told her that I had asked Chris if he would love when I'm old and my bra size is a 36 long. "So not I'll be half perky and half long?", I asked.
She informed us that insurance will cover breast reconstruction on the right side after radiation therapy. BLESSING #2 I will get to have breast reconstructive surgery to reduce and lift my breasts. I am so happy as I have been wanting a breast reduction for sometime; but didn't think I'd ever be able to afford it.
There are certain vitamins and nutrients that you have to avoid during chemo and radiation -- surprisingly it is the ones that are antioxidants and/or that natural help with hormonal balance of estrogen. I have made eating foods and taking supplements of both these components part of my daily regimen for years. So, for now, no more A, C and E vitamins, and no more of my black cohosh complex (ginseng, etc) to natually manage my menopause hormones and hot flashes -- until after all my treatments are over at the end of 2015. I learned that the black cohosh and other natural herbal supplements are not always as good as one might think -- especially since there is not regulatory management on them. "You can't really know what your getting or the quality of it," she said. She gave me this website from Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York. BLESSING #3 You can look up herbs and find our more about them. Sloan K has and continues to do extensive research:
http://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/about-herbs-botanicals-other-products
The shocking thing is that it is likely that the black cohosh contributed to my cancer especially concerning the HER2+ protein that I have that makes me prone to cancer because of very sensitive estrogen levels. So I don't think I'll be going back to black cohosh again.
As I reported last time, Steve Jones (Catherine's and Christina's father) has had a bout with cancer too. He developed prostate and bladder cancer. He actually has known about it for some time. He went through chemo before the surgery (which I have learned is common now days). BLESSING #4 In short he has had some ups and downs; but is doing generally really good and will recover.
BLESSING #5 It has given a reason for his family and me to talk and encourage each other. This is wonderful because they were my family for almost 25 years and when the divorce happened, losing them was a big loss for me. So a prayer has been answered. I know that my daughters are very pleased and no longer have to feel a big separation in their extended family. Going forward, I hope this will only continue and the girls will know that no matter what family is family.
BLESSING #6 Chris is really having to deal with lots through all of this. Of course, his love for me causes him concern and stress about my well being. His love for the girls keeps him thinking and doing things that makes life better for them. His work --- managing his real estate business and seeing to clients needs. Peggy -- making sure her needs are met and bills are paid in the assisted living. And even with Steve's situation -- it is not all so great for him with Steve being my ex-husband and all. Yet, Chris is supportive and loving --- and oh so mindful of us all.
BLESSING #7 All of this has kept me from ruminating on my cancer situation. It has brought it in to perspective. There is really nothing more than what I am doing, that I can do. God is truly in control.
BLESSING #8 All of you with your prayers, kindness and support means so much to me. Not only does it give me strength --- I know that you are a big reason why so much good as happening through this time. God does answer prayer and prayer certainly changes things. It's AMAZING!
