02/01/10

I returned to see Dr. Theriault, who decided to order several follow up tests (like the ones I had when I was originally diagnosed) -- a bone scan, bone survey, pelvic CT scan and blood tests.

I had previously had a follow-up PET scan done through Dr. Rodgers but the results were very hard to determine any progress. The pictures looked very much the same as my first PET scan from six months ago, so he considered me to be in 'stable' condition. This was before the 'cancer counts' came back from my blood tests last Dec/09 that dropped by half!

My friend Shawna offered to come with me for the all day testing and I am very glad that she did! It made the time go by much quicker because we were able to talk and laugh and play games and do crosswords! :D

She returned with me today to get the results of those tests! What a trooper!

I told her I was expecting to hear four different possibilities for future treatment -- stay on the same medication treatment, start chemo, start more radiation, or something completely different. We were both extremely surprised by the amount of questions Dr. Theriault was asking about my current health. He then began to detail that my 'cancer count' from last August when I first saw him for a second opinion was over 1000 and my recent 'cancer count' from two weeks earlier was at 185! Still seriously high, but an amazing show of recovery! I was so surprised and we were both so relieved! :D

I also asked Dr. Theriault about the one blood test that was taken for a 'floating cancer' and he explained that it was to check for leukemia. That blood test came back negative! Again, relief!

Dr. Theriault then began to show us the results of the bone scan (MRI) where he pointed out all the spots that revealed healing and bone growth! Total amazement and disbelief!

All this pain/aching that I have been feeling -- I knew in the depths of my soul was because the Tamoxifen was working! It was blocking the spread of cancerous cells! Dr. Rogers kept telling me that I shouldn't be feeling any discomfort! Dr. Theriault said it was very normal (along with many other people that I've talked to). Also the bone strengthener is what people with osteoporosis use -- that also was working! They don't call them 'growing pains' for nothing! I used this analogy several times to explain my symptoms -- bones shrinking will hurt just as much as bones growing! I've lost 2 inches in my height since starting this treatment -- you can't tell me that isn't because the Tamoxifen is drying up all the cancer cells and shrinking the size of my bones. Now there is some new bone growth showing, so I'm also hoping that some or all of that 2 inches in my spine might be replaced because I'm looking incredibly deformed lately! LOL Sort of all legs, then arms and then a head -- its weird! My boobs are sagging into my hips! LOL

If I had just said yes to Dr. Rodgers -- the chemo would have probably destroyed those new cells being grown on my bones and I would have never know about the progress I made. So, its a good thing that I asked questions, did some research, got another second opinion and made decisions for myself!

I will continue my monthly injections with Dr. Rodgers (because the location is so convenient) and return to see Dr. Theriault in about 2 months to have another bone scan in order to monitor my recovery.

I am just sooooo grateful! Considering my diagnosis -- I am very lucky and I honestly feel so blessed to have such loving and caring people in my life right now! All of their care, best wishes and prayers have truly helped me keep a positive attitude and heal! Thank you to all of you! XOXO

I've been waiting for almost six months to get my hair done because I didn't want to waste money if it was all going to fall out anyway! LOL I was ready to buy some crazy bright pink wig after starting chemo! LOL Now, since chemo may not be in my immediate future, I can finally go and try to beautify myself! :D Also, I am still planning a trip to Sedona to look into the holistic side of healing -- hopefully, some time in the spring.

More to come...