Wow - 2 blogs in one week.
Not much new from my last posting other than I've decided to privately document the ebb and flo of my emotions. I didn't find it terribly difficult to write about the antatomical changes, the physical side effects of treatment nor treatment itself, but in order to allow my emotions to be fluid, I need to be in a safe place - internet wouldn't fit that description.
For me, the time has come to deal with the loss of a breast, what it means to be a woman, and my own worthiness. I know that my hope and strength comes from God although I have forgotten that many times on this journey (climb). The beauty around and within me are is causing every cell in my body to giggle and dance. My cells have not giggled for sometime.
I was given a gift certificate from a fellow classmate, Satish, to the Chico Spa in Bremerton; Dr. Cathy Rogers, ND, has been in practice for 27 years - I consider her to be an elder in naturopathic medicine; much healing took place for me emotionally during my visit. The dry lymphatic brushing awoke my immune system, the sauna released toxins from my body, the healing herbs of the steam room soothed my lungs; with each sweat droplet, I envisioned the toxins (and emotions) releasing through my pours. I believe I made peace with my scar. In fact, I call my scar harmony. With harmony as my guide, I strive to keep my mind, body, and spirit in alignment.
The seaweed and herb bath was relaxing, detoxing and insightful. It was during this time that my cells began to giggle and dance. As I layed in this wonderful warm bath, it was the leaves of a tree -blowing gently in the wind - that amused me. The leaves looked like they were laughing. I mentioned this to Dr. Cathy and she said, "what does that experience mean to your body?" And with no hesitiation, I told her my cells were giggling and moving all about.
Well my side is bothering me, so time to relax on couch and put my arm up.
May your cells giggle and dance.
Love Debbie
Monday, October 26, 2009
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Where has all the time gone? I don't know if anyone is still out there reading my blog since my last writing (Aug 25th).
Following my infection from radiation (axillary region), then I got a UTI, then some type of virus. All in all it was about 6 weeks and my energy was zapped. Needless to say, these ailments emotionally and mentally knocked me down. It's apparant that I have some emotional healing to be done. For the 8.5 months of treatment, my emotions seemed to be mild then they rose to the surface and have been causing me all kind of havoc. Nor do I handle stress as well as I used to.
I'm in my 4th week of school and enjoying it thoroughly; I am taking two classes and that is perfect for me.
That's all for now.
Debbie
Following my infection from radiation (axillary region), then I got a UTI, then some type of virus. All in all it was about 6 weeks and my energy was zapped. Needless to say, these ailments emotionally and mentally knocked me down. It's apparant that I have some emotional healing to be done. For the 8.5 months of treatment, my emotions seemed to be mild then they rose to the surface and have been causing me all kind of havoc. Nor do I handle stress as well as I used to.
I'm in my 4th week of school and enjoying it thoroughly; I am taking two classes and that is perfect for me.
That's all for now.
Debbie
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Post Radiation Update
Hello,
Following radiation, my skin under my arm (axilla region) began to peel several layers down and became slightly infected. It was very raw and was not healing; but now, it is doing much better. Dr. Standish put a Medihoney dressing on it. Medihoney is used for moderately to heavy exuding wounds. After using it (2 dressings) for a week, my skin began to heal. It is still peeling, but there's no more rawness or sharp pain.
I'm in my last week of summer school. My plans are to go to the cabin Sept 2 & 3 and then camping for a few days with Mark, Janelle and her friend, Mike. I will be supporting Theresa on the 3 day Breast Cancer Walk in Seattle on Sept 11-13. I will see her off as she begins her 20 mile walk and I will be at there at the end of each day when she finishes. Sept 14-18, I will be going on a car camping road trip with Donna, Kristin and Linda Alva. We will be camping along the Olympic Peninsula. We will visit the Sequim spit and the Ho Rainforest. We may even camp on the beach if given the opportunity. Sept. 18-22, I will go to Texas to visit my dad. We plan to go to a rodeo together in El Paso.
While it looks like a busy month, I'll be sure to take my naps and use my energy wisely.
I've been taking turkey tail mushroom for 2 weeks now and I will continue until the study that I'm enrolled in is over. This particular mushroom has shown promising results in reducing the likelihood of prevention/reoccurence in China.
I was at Curves this past Saturday for our rummage sale. We raised approx $730; all of the proceeds will be going to the Susan G Komen breast cancer fund. It was so nice to give and receive hugs from my friends at Curves. I met some new friends while I was there also. The women tell me that they are still praying for me - that's awesome. I'm very blessed.
Remember to eat greens,
love Debbie
Following radiation, my skin under my arm (axilla region) began to peel several layers down and became slightly infected. It was very raw and was not healing; but now, it is doing much better. Dr. Standish put a Medihoney dressing on it. Medihoney is used for moderately to heavy exuding wounds. After using it (2 dressings) for a week, my skin began to heal. It is still peeling, but there's no more rawness or sharp pain.
I'm in my last week of summer school. My plans are to go to the cabin Sept 2 & 3 and then camping for a few days with Mark, Janelle and her friend, Mike. I will be supporting Theresa on the 3 day Breast Cancer Walk in Seattle on Sept 11-13. I will see her off as she begins her 20 mile walk and I will be at there at the end of each day when she finishes. Sept 14-18, I will be going on a car camping road trip with Donna, Kristin and Linda Alva. We will be camping along the Olympic Peninsula. We will visit the Sequim spit and the Ho Rainforest. We may even camp on the beach if given the opportunity. Sept. 18-22, I will go to Texas to visit my dad. We plan to go to a rodeo together in El Paso.
While it looks like a busy month, I'll be sure to take my naps and use my energy wisely.
I've been taking turkey tail mushroom for 2 weeks now and I will continue until the study that I'm enrolled in is over. This particular mushroom has shown promising results in reducing the likelihood of prevention/reoccurence in China.
I was at Curves this past Saturday for our rummage sale. We raised approx $730; all of the proceeds will be going to the Susan G Komen breast cancer fund. It was so nice to give and receive hugs from my friends at Curves. I met some new friends while I was there also. The women tell me that they are still praying for me - that's awesome. I'm very blessed.
Remember to eat greens,
love Debbie
Friday, August 7, 2009
I Have Completed Radiation!
After 8.5 long months, I have finished treatment. Although, I will still have regular blood draws and scans quarterly to watch for possible reoccurance.
It came as a surprise to me that I was finished with radiation today. My radiation appts were scheduled through Aug 12, so when my radiologist told me on Wed. that I had only two treatments left, I was pleasantly surprised.
My skin on my chest wall and under my arm (axillary region) is red, dark brown and very tender. The skin directly above my sternum is also very tender. The dry skin under my arm pit has begun peeling and looks to be healing. I will post a picture in a few days. My radiologist says my skin looks exceptional - it must be the seaweed! It sounds like she will recommend the seaweed to her patients. I shared the wonderful moisturizing benefits of seaweed in the radiation waiting room to other cancer patients.
My next healing step is to begin cleansing my body (liver esp.) of the toxins and building up my immune system, cells, tissues and organs to prevent me from having to go thru this again. Dr Standish, will direct me through this process. This is the part that I have been looking forward to. I believe that my medicine (Naturopathic Medicine) will heal me. Stay tuned for this part of the journey.
I have had more energy and I have enjoyed walking, biking and camping. I still struggle with chemo brain, but that will get better in time. Instead of being one french fry short of a happy meal, now I'm two french fries.
Thanks again for the ongoing love and support. It is your love and concern that had motivated me to keep taking baby steps and not give up. My passion for life and living is coming back.
I'm going camping this weekend to enjoy nature. I'll be pitching a tent and cooking on a coleman stove - doesn't get much better than that (unless I'm staying at the cabin). Mark and Meoka will be joining me. Hopefully, we can get a little hike in.
Chat with you soon,
Debbie
It came as a surprise to me that I was finished with radiation today. My radiation appts were scheduled through Aug 12, so when my radiologist told me on Wed. that I had only two treatments left, I was pleasantly surprised.
My skin on my chest wall and under my arm (axillary region) is red, dark brown and very tender. The skin directly above my sternum is also very tender. The dry skin under my arm pit has begun peeling and looks to be healing. I will post a picture in a few days. My radiologist says my skin looks exceptional - it must be the seaweed! It sounds like she will recommend the seaweed to her patients. I shared the wonderful moisturizing benefits of seaweed in the radiation waiting room to other cancer patients.
My next healing step is to begin cleansing my body (liver esp.) of the toxins and building up my immune system, cells, tissues and organs to prevent me from having to go thru this again. Dr Standish, will direct me through this process. This is the part that I have been looking forward to. I believe that my medicine (Naturopathic Medicine) will heal me. Stay tuned for this part of the journey.
I have had more energy and I have enjoyed walking, biking and camping. I still struggle with chemo brain, but that will get better in time. Instead of being one french fry short of a happy meal, now I'm two french fries.
Thanks again for the ongoing love and support. It is your love and concern that had motivated me to keep taking baby steps and not give up. My passion for life and living is coming back.
I'm going camping this weekend to enjoy nature. I'll be pitching a tent and cooking on a coleman stove - doesn't get much better than that (unless I'm staying at the cabin). Mark and Meoka will be joining me. Hopefully, we can get a little hike in.
Chat with you soon,
Debbie
Friday, July 24, 2009
Radiation update
Hola,
I had a great time at Celebrate Spanaway last sat at the Curves booth. It was wonderful to see my friends from Curves. It was a blessing to see Jessie (thank you for all your help with setting up the booth), Kathy (thank you for staffing the booth), Theresa (arriving way to early to meet me, loading up the stuff, and setting it up), Rebecca (working double duty), Debbie, Riece, Mary (working out at Curves) Bertha, and Norma. Norma couldn't resist rubbing my bald head. Although, it's not so bald anymore, I do have some fuzz on it now! I enjoyed the hugs, smiles and conversation. I was totally exhausted later that day and most of sunday, but it was worth it. Kathy and I entered our dogs in th pet parade contest at the fair, but our dogs didn't win anything. I thought Guizmo would win the smallest pet (he weighs 2.2lbs) award, but some kid brought a guppy and a snail. That ain't right.
The pain in my muscles has begun to subside, yet I still have it in my joints. Dr. Standish, my ND, said that my joints were inflammed still from chemo; myalga (loss of muscle tissue) in my muscles and tendons was causing the pain. In the last two weeks, my eyebrows have begun to thin even more - it's no biggie though, I just pencil them in.
I have only 2.5 wks left of radiation. YES! My skin on my chest wall and underarm looks really good. The Redness, dryness and soreness is very minimal and I attribute that to the seeweed poultice that I'm using (prescribed by Dr. Standish). My radiaologist wasn't to sure about the benefits of the seaweed in my first few weeks of radiation and she insisted that I would turn red. Well, when I saw her last week, she was amazed by the condition of my skin. She and her nurse would like to know more about it and where to get it so they can tell their other patients. I think this is very cool. Dr. Standish will call Dr. Morris to tell her about the benefits of seaweed for radiation patients. Dr. Standish has been telling her patients about it for 1o years.
Enjoy your weekend.
I had a great time at Celebrate Spanaway last sat at the Curves booth. It was wonderful to see my friends from Curves. It was a blessing to see Jessie (thank you for all your help with setting up the booth), Kathy (thank you for staffing the booth), Theresa (arriving way to early to meet me, loading up the stuff, and setting it up), Rebecca (working double duty), Debbie, Riece, Mary (working out at Curves) Bertha, and Norma. Norma couldn't resist rubbing my bald head. Although, it's not so bald anymore, I do have some fuzz on it now! I enjoyed the hugs, smiles and conversation. I was totally exhausted later that day and most of sunday, but it was worth it. Kathy and I entered our dogs in th pet parade contest at the fair, but our dogs didn't win anything. I thought Guizmo would win the smallest pet (he weighs 2.2lbs) award, but some kid brought a guppy and a snail. That ain't right.
The pain in my muscles has begun to subside, yet I still have it in my joints. Dr. Standish, my ND, said that my joints were inflammed still from chemo; myalga (loss of muscle tissue) in my muscles and tendons was causing the pain. In the last two weeks, my eyebrows have begun to thin even more - it's no biggie though, I just pencil them in.
I have only 2.5 wks left of radiation. YES! My skin on my chest wall and underarm looks really good. The Redness, dryness and soreness is very minimal and I attribute that to the seeweed poultice that I'm using (prescribed by Dr. Standish). My radiaologist wasn't to sure about the benefits of the seaweed in my first few weeks of radiation and she insisted that I would turn red. Well, when I saw her last week, she was amazed by the condition of my skin. She and her nurse would like to know more about it and where to get it so they can tell their other patients. I think this is very cool. Dr. Standish will call Dr. Morris to tell her about the benefits of seaweed for radiation patients. Dr. Standish has been telling her patients about it for 1o years.
Enjoy your weekend.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
WK 4 of Radiation
Happy Tuesday fam and friends,
I am now in wk 4 of radiation (only 3 more wks left!). The only notable side effect thus far is fatigue, but it's not to bad. Each day, my body seems to allot me a certain amount of energy and when I consume most of it then its time to rest/nap. When I awake, I remarkably have more energy to expend. I am trying to learn how to conserve my energy rather than deplete my reserves, but that is not an easy task. My skin has not turned red yet from the radiation although that is likely to occur in the coming weeks. I have been using a seaweed poultice several times a day which has healing properties to help illeviate burns, eczemza, etc. that my ND prescribed. My radiologist said that my skin looked great and she was very curious about the seaweed and where to get it.
Last saturday, I went for a 3 mile walk with Theresa and on Sunday went for a 2 mile walk with Theresa and Meoka. That is the farthest I have walked in a very longtime (pre surgery). It felt good.
In the last 3 weeks, I 've been experiencing some side effects that I believe are left over from chemo or steroids. It started with muscle tension in my hamstrings, quadraceps, calves, neck, and bicep & triceps. Each time I would flex my leg whether laying down or stading up it was quite painful. I thought perhaps they were just tight and that I needed to stretch them, but that didn't help. In the last week, the tension has lessoned in those muscles, but now my joints (hip joints and sacral illiac joint-low back) are stiff. When I get out of a car or get up from the couch, I stagger like an elderly person. It lasts for just a few minutes then I resume standing erect and walk normally.
I am still having hot flashes, yet not as intense as they used to be. I experience them several times a day- usually in the morning and/or midafternoon. When I drink something warm, that can trigger a hot flash. Thank goodness I don't have night sweats. Some women have shared with me about this and that doesn't sound fun at all. Vaginal dryness is another side effect of menopause which I was kicked into early because of chemo; chemo shuts down the production of
estrogen (hormone) in my ovaries thereby decreasing the glands in my vaginal wall from secreting. This can result in (and it did for me) painful intercourse. I mentioned this concern to my oncologist, Dr. Rinn, and she said that one of her patients did a thorough research on trying to find the best lubricant on the market and she found one. It is called Pjur and can be purchased from Babeland. I bought some and it feels like silk-wonderful!
I'm enjoying my classes this summer qtr. - learning good stuff. Don't be surprised if I ask to take your pulse or stick your tongue out. In Chinese medicine, they believe that information can be gained about what is systemically going on with a person through tongue and pulse diagnosis.
Acupuncture has helped me and I would recommend it.
I will be in Spanaway this Saturday at "Celebrate Spanaway." I will be at the Curves booth from 10-2pm so stop by and say hi.
I am now in wk 4 of radiation (only 3 more wks left!). The only notable side effect thus far is fatigue, but it's not to bad. Each day, my body seems to allot me a certain amount of energy and when I consume most of it then its time to rest/nap. When I awake, I remarkably have more energy to expend. I am trying to learn how to conserve my energy rather than deplete my reserves, but that is not an easy task. My skin has not turned red yet from the radiation although that is likely to occur in the coming weeks. I have been using a seaweed poultice several times a day which has healing properties to help illeviate burns, eczemza, etc. that my ND prescribed. My radiologist said that my skin looked great and she was very curious about the seaweed and where to get it.
Last saturday, I went for a 3 mile walk with Theresa and on Sunday went for a 2 mile walk with Theresa and Meoka. That is the farthest I have walked in a very longtime (pre surgery). It felt good.
In the last 3 weeks, I 've been experiencing some side effects that I believe are left over from chemo or steroids. It started with muscle tension in my hamstrings, quadraceps, calves, neck, and bicep & triceps. Each time I would flex my leg whether laying down or stading up it was quite painful. I thought perhaps they were just tight and that I needed to stretch them, but that didn't help. In the last week, the tension has lessoned in those muscles, but now my joints (hip joints and sacral illiac joint-low back) are stiff. When I get out of a car or get up from the couch, I stagger like an elderly person. It lasts for just a few minutes then I resume standing erect and walk normally.
I am still having hot flashes, yet not as intense as they used to be. I experience them several times a day- usually in the morning and/or midafternoon. When I drink something warm, that can trigger a hot flash. Thank goodness I don't have night sweats. Some women have shared with me about this and that doesn't sound fun at all. Vaginal dryness is another side effect of menopause which I was kicked into early because of chemo; chemo shuts down the production of
estrogen (hormone) in my ovaries thereby decreasing the glands in my vaginal wall from secreting. This can result in (and it did for me) painful intercourse. I mentioned this concern to my oncologist, Dr. Rinn, and she said that one of her patients did a thorough research on trying to find the best lubricant on the market and she found one. It is called Pjur and can be purchased from Babeland. I bought some and it feels like silk-wonderful!
I'm enjoying my classes this summer qtr. - learning good stuff. Don't be surprised if I ask to take your pulse or stick your tongue out. In Chinese medicine, they believe that information can be gained about what is systemically going on with a person through tongue and pulse diagnosis.
Acupuncture has helped me and I would recommend it.
I will be in Spanaway this Saturday at "Celebrate Spanaway." I will be at the Curves booth from 10-2pm so stop by and say hi.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Heading into WK 2 of radiation
Hello my lovely family and friends,
Thank you for your continous support and prayers. Your prayer is what sustained and continues to sustain me. Even for the period of time that I found it difficult to pray during the first several months of chemo. Your prayers and my frequent trips to the cabin and being out in nature made it possible for me to find my way back to the Great Spirit.
I am in my 2nd week of radiation and so far no major side effects. My energy has been pretty good, although I find myself needing to take a daily nap or two. The area that is being treated has not turned red yet, but I suspect it will happen in the coming weeks. I've noticed that following treatment I experience a headache, phlem in my throat, and fatigue. My friends, Donna, Michelle, and Kristin have been taking me to daily radiation appts. Next week, now that Tina and Linda have returned to town, each (of the 5) will take me one day/week. I realize how loved I am and it is the love of family and friends that is healing me - physically, emotionally and spriitually.
Well, I must get ready to go to radiation this morning, so until next time. I hope all of you have a safe and fun 4th of July. I won't be going to the cabin as I rented it out, but Mark and I will be going to the Olympic Peninsula with some friends.
Oh, and I have some fabulous news! I'm going to be a grandma. Meoka is about 2.5 months pregnant. I am very excited about this.
Thank you for your continous support and prayers. Your prayer is what sustained and continues to sustain me. Even for the period of time that I found it difficult to pray during the first several months of chemo. Your prayers and my frequent trips to the cabin and being out in nature made it possible for me to find my way back to the Great Spirit.
I am in my 2nd week of radiation and so far no major side effects. My energy has been pretty good, although I find myself needing to take a daily nap or two. The area that is being treated has not turned red yet, but I suspect it will happen in the coming weeks. I've noticed that following treatment I experience a headache, phlem in my throat, and fatigue. My friends, Donna, Michelle, and Kristin have been taking me to daily radiation appts. Next week, now that Tina and Linda have returned to town, each (of the 5) will take me one day/week. I realize how loved I am and it is the love of family and friends that is healing me - physically, emotionally and spriitually.
Well, I must get ready to go to radiation this morning, so until next time. I hope all of you have a safe and fun 4th of July. I won't be going to the cabin as I rented it out, but Mark and I will be going to the Olympic Peninsula with some friends.
Oh, and I have some fabulous news! I'm going to be a grandma. Meoka is about 2.5 months pregnant. I am very excited about this.
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