More Follow Up

January 13, 2004

Saw Dr. Beck, my oncologist, today.  Answers to a few questions:

I will be on Arimidex for 5 years.  After that - see what research has to offer.  Hot flashes will continue to abate.

There is not test to determine non-presence of my cancer.  Monitor bloodwork (liver panels and CBC) every 3 months for 2 years, then every 6 months for 3 more.  Will get annual chest x-ray along with mammogram.  Cross my fingers and pray.

Wean myself from the Neurontin.  Just take it every other day.  I will continue to improve in terms of neuropathy.

Interesting.  Today went to a presentation at the Cancer Support Home.  Dr. Beck presented "Clinical Trials."  He talked about there being a grandmother of all cancer cells in our bodies.  This cancer cell (a cancer stem cell - not to be confused with the prenatal stem cells we would like to see available for research but are not due to fear of abortions getting out of hand) is resistant to chemotherapy.  Chemo kills its progeny, but not it.  So it's that cell that must be removed.  Hope my surgeon got it. 

By the way, I am on the calendar for the education presentation in March:  Restore, Activity for Renewal.

Dr. Beck says of course he will let us put our brochures out for the program we are creating at the Exercise Center.  I am very excited about it.

January 14, 2004

Saw radiologist today - more of the same from yesterday.  He talked of the fibrosis present particularly at the surgical site which is due to the radiation.  This is the way it is.  He also said the skin will forever seem more dry on the treated breast.  Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize.

Saw the Naturopath as well.  Her suggestions seem so much more doable now.  It's funny how much easier it is to make changes when you have some energy. 

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