My Journey Update
It’s been a while since I’ve posted about my pink journey here so I figured I’d do an update. I am one month out now from the completion of radiation treatments. My skin is healing nicely and I don’t have any real issues with my skin now other than being dark on my shoulder in the radiation field. I also have been dealing with my muscles tightening up in my arm and hand on the radiation side. I continue to do stretching exercises to try and relieve that situation.
I started taking Tamoxifen today which I’m a bit concerned about this drug therapy but I know it is necessary as my cancer tumor was estrogen positive and I have to make sure I don’t feed my cancer. I am concerned about all the side effects with Tamoxifen but I am reminded that this whole thing is out of my hands. I need to leave it all in the healing hands of our Lord.
So overall I’m doing pretty good and just wanted to let everyone know how I am doing. My hair is growing back but at a very sloooow rate. My hair has always been fine so all this chemo hasn’t been good for my hair. But it is growing and I hope by Christmas to have a little “do” that I can display so I don’t have to continue the knit hat and ball cap routine.
More later, until then thank you everyone for all your wonderful warm thoughts and prayers.
Cindy
Tags: breast cancer, cancer
Nov 12, 2008
Continuing to extend warm crafty thoughts and well wishes your way.
Sue
Nov 13, 2008
It sounds like you are doing well, that is great!! I love your site and you are doing such good for the environment!!
Please ask your doctors to keep an eye on your heart, especially if you have any risk factors for heart disease. Tamoxifen has a tentative link to heart attacks, which I found out after my mother had one. It’s only tentative, but I certainly don’t want to lose you after you’ve fought this battle!!!
Keep up the strong fight!!
Nov 13, 2008
thank you for dropping by my site.. i’ve been browsing on your posts and I realized that my mother would love your crocheted pieces as she used to love to crochet until she got too busy. Anyway, i’m wishing that you’ll continue improving on your health. God bless.
Nov 13, 2008
Thanks everyone for stopping by and leaving such kind comments.
@Heather:
Yes I am monitoring my heart function very closely because of the Herceptin that I have every 3 weeks for one year. I have had two MUGAs both which were good. I will have another one on Dec. 1 to make sure my heart is doing well still.
Nov 13, 2008
Thank you for the update! I’m glad to hear you’re healing š
Nov 14, 2008
Cindy – that is very reassuring!! I am so glad you are doing so well!! Thank you for sharing part of your life with us!! You bring a bright spot to my day every time I read your posts!
Nov 14, 2008
Cindy, I wish you all the best on the road to recovery. I know what kind of a troubling situation that this type of thing can be, and it sounds like you are very strong, and ready to beat it! Keep on keeping on Cindy!!
All the best!
Dave
Nov 14, 2008
I am glad that you are healing now. I hope you can show off a cute little “do” at Christmas too! :o)
Thankyou for the update I often visit to see what you have created and how you are getting on. x
Nov 14, 2008
Hey Cindy! I had my doubts about Tamoxifen too, but I have had really limited side effects. I have about 6 more months of it (YEEE-HAW!!!) and I can’t wait to be done with that part of all this cancer crap. It will take some time for your radiated side to feel “stretched” out again. It wasn’t until this past year that I have noticed not as much pain when reaching for things, etc. Although, my brown marks have turned into bright red that somehow gets even brighter when I am hot. My onc said that happens to about 5% of radiation patients. Yay for me. Anyway, make sure that you are easing back into every day things. Don’t over do it. Even though it has been a month, your body is still recovering. Take care dear!
Nov 15, 2008
May God’s healing hand and loving kindness be continually extended towards you.
Nov 17, 2008
Hi Cindy
Found your site last night whilst looking for crochet patterns, yes I am a big hairy biker but I find it relaxing and as you’ve shown it can be very eco friendly. Really sorry to hear about your pink journey but hopefully everythings going well, you certainly sound like your coping brilliantly. On the hair front I found a really good and natural way to speed up hair growth, readily available from most health shops in a tablet form is Sea Kelp, makes your finger and toe nails grow quicker as well mind.
Anyway thank-you for the wonderful site and I sincerely hope all goes well for a long, healthy and happy future.
admiringly yours
Bluebiker
Dec 18, 2008
Your site is awesome! And it’s awesome in every possible way, from design to content, writing, graphics… everything! Great job! Just knowing that you’re doing what you’re doing and fighting cancer at the same time is tremendously inspiring, and, despite what trouble you must be going through, it fills me with joy to know you’re in the world!
Pandora let everything out of the box, but hope, and you’re a definite sign of that!
Well wishes and positive vibes coming your way right now!
Thomas