Anniversary ... Cancer's Constant Timeline

My anniversary of being diagnosed with breast cancer was yesterday.  Also my birthday, funny how that works out.  This month has been a challenge for me with all my doctor appointments, impending test results.  Since my last post I had experienced a lot of emotions.

As always, I miss my mom, her words, her comfort.  After learning from my GYN doctor that I may have ovarian cancer too, little things set me to tears.  Damn those commercials from TV, sometimes I have to change the channel for 30 seconds.  Oh boy!  I had an MRI scheduled for the 20th at a local hospital.  I received a message of instructions the night before.  No jewelry worn, no metals on clothing and no food or drink 4 hours before test.  The appointment was at 3pm.  When I arrived and taken back to the MRI area I was advised that they would need a blood sample and an IV inserted for the contrast.  None of this had been relayed when making appointment or on the message the night before. 

I have a hard time giving blood or getting IV's started.  My veins are deep and I really didn't hydrate well based on the message the day before.  The technician said they had 22 gauge needles, nothing smaller.  They found one vein possible for insertion, but had trouble once inserted to get blood in the needle, my veins jump.  My hands were the next possible area and I protested about the size of their needles.  Couldn't believe the didn't carry any smaller sizes for a hospital outpatient center.   I am tired of being poked.  It definitely happens monthly with my Zometa treatments.  The technician said I could reschedule the appointment, so I did.

The following Monday I rescheduled my MRI to another hospital in the area for that Friday (27th) in the morning.  I was not going to fast for 4 hours mid day, it would be hard not to keep hydrated.  Funny thing is I hydrated very well this past Thursday and was prepared based on the scenario from the other hospital.  Once there the technician thought we may need the IV sonogram insertion because of my veins, they at least had 23 gauge needles there.  No mention of a blood test before the MRI (from the previous hospital), they brought me into the MRI room.  First series of pictures were without contrast, then the contrast would be inserted via IV for second set of pictures. 

Man that MRI machine is loud.  I had selected classic rock for music and the first song was Hotel California by the Eagles.  After a few songs they moved me out of the MRI to insert the IV.  I was confident that I had hydrated myself and the technician did it in one try with a butterfly needle for the contrast.  All in all it took about an hour to complete.  Now to wait for the results in 1-2 business days.

In between these MRI appointments I had my monthly IV infusion of Zometa, then I met with a breast surgeon, overdid it with errands.  By the end of that week I was in a lot of back pain and needed to rest vertically for awhile.  It has been a challenge of ups and down, stress from time to time but I made it through. 

One year as a breast cancer survivor ... keep me in your prayers ... fingers crossed for good news this week.

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I have setup a GoFundMe page for donations to help with my medical bills.  Your generosity is humbling and appreciated.

Be genuine, share yourself and have a fabulous day!  Susan (aka SuzzzyGal)

Disclaimer:  I am not a medical professional and any information contained here is an opinion.  Seek advice from a professional. 

Have You Had Your Mammogram Yet?

If someone had told me the full extent of what could happen when you don't get a mammogram, I would have been more compliant with my doctor.  My last mammogram was in 2010.  Like many of us it becomes a scary scenario when the radiologist wants to take another picture.  For me, they took over 8 images of my right breast, putting more skin in the x-ray field.  They didn't see anything and that was the problem.  My previous mammogram had little grains they said to keep watch on. 

Now this mammogram was clear.  Go figure.  The Doctor of radiology came in and said they wanted to take more.  During the conversation it was revealed the center had changed to a digital format.  Since those grains didn't show after the 8th image, I said no more.  The Doctor protested and I asked for an alternative.  Was there an alternative?  Surely the must be something else that doesn't smush your breast like a pancake.

I know many are like me.  Agreeing with those who didn't have a yearly mammogram too.  Yet, I didn't go for the alternatives also.  I am seeing social media more and more offering breast exams and testing, many of them free.  Money should not be an excuse.

Since then I have learned there are several other alternatives to a mammogram, like thermography and sonograms.  They used a sonogram while in the hospital and I saw my lymph node during the pathology testing.  My mother had been diagnosed with Breast Cancer Stage 0 over six years ago.  She had surgery, radiation treatments and placed on Tamoxifen for 5 years.  On stage 0 cancer!  I thought they were covering their a***s on that one. 

But, But, But!!!  There is always a BUT.  It wasn't because I felt invincible or that doesn't happen til my senior years.  I was in denial that would be me, labeled as a Breast Cancer Surviror.  But I am a survivor!  If we could go back in time everyone would change the one thing that would prevent us from change what we know know. 

Unfortunately, I know now why you should not postpone a breast exam.  I have metatastic breast cancer (stage IV) and it is in my bones.  At this point it did not effect any of my major organs.  For someone else this may not be true.  I truly believe the healthy coffee I drink with Ganoderma Lucidum, a reishi mushroom, saved my organs from being touched by these rogue breast cancer cells.

Get a checkup, especially if you have prolonged back pain.  It could be nothing or it could be something.  You don't want the something that takes away your ability to live your life like you want to.  You still have so much to offer, right!  Be Brave, Strong and Fearless!

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I have setup a GoFundMe page for donations to help with my medical bills.  Your generosity is humbling and appreciated.

Be genuine, share yourself and have a fabulous day!  Susan (aka SuzzzyGal)

My Weight Loss Came With A Price

By this point you know my mother passed away in 2013.  It was an emotional struggle losing her and someone I long to speak to since.  When I hurt my back in January 2014 I was down 34 pounds and feeling good about it.  It seemed to be easier.  But, as it turned out weeks later I was diagnosed with hormonal Breast Cancer Stage IV.  That is why my back was hurting, it was in my bones.  To be specific, it was in my lower and upper spine, left shoulder, hips and right knee.  I have had radiation treatments in my spine and right knee, with possibility of more in the future.



Me / February 2012

Having been overweight to severely obese in my adult life, I needed to really buckle down and stop overeating for any reason at all.  Such as, celebrating the good and bad, because I wanted to, happy, sad, the list is long.  Eating for me was the only control I had in my life.  I was like anyone else, single living alone and really didn't like to cook.  I liked to bake and good at it.  Eating fast foods, processed foods along with my favorites of pasta and pizza, rarely eating fruits and vegetables.  Wrong carbohydrate cravings galore.  I could eat them everyday. 

Before I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer and at home, I had smaller portions and managed to lose a about 10 more pounds.  Once in the hospital, my diet change helped with my weight loss.  I was put on a schedule with portioned meals, fruit, vegetables and desert.  I thought I was overeating but it jumpstarted the carbohydrate cravings normally felt when starting a diet.  Having failed diet attempts, I gave up long ago from the carb cravings.  I wasn't able to walk while in the hospital, especially on my right leg for fear of breaking it and I was hurting on my left side.  I did all my physical therapy in my bed with leg raises, etc. to maintain some semblance of strength.  When I was released the first time to the skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility, down 56 pounds.

The same occurred through my second hospital stay and hip surgery.  When I entered the skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility in Largo, FL I lost nearly 60 pounds.  My clothes were hanging on me.  Since I had started physical therapy, it added to my weight loss and when released to go home, I was down another 22 pounds.  Since being home, I have a main healthy portion meal and then fruits, nuts or vegetables throughout the day.  I haven't felt a carbohydrate craving they way I used too.  Actually when I have a high concentration of carbohydrates (breads or pasta) in a daily diet I feel cranky and tired.  Go figure!

Me and Adele Brown / February 2015

I am happy to say that I'm now a size 16 pants / 14 top.  I have lost a total of 131 pounds since my mother died and can't believe what I see in the mirror at times.  I have donated half my wardrobe with more remaining in my closet that I can no longer wear.  Cannot believe how much money had been spent throughout the years on clothing that weren't worn or barely used.  Now I shop sparingly for the necessities as I continue on my diet.  I already have my size 14 pants and shorts for the end March.  Hoping my one year anniversary with breast cancer goes on without a hitch.  Keep me in your prayers :)
 
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I have setup a GoFundMe page for donations to help with my medical bills.  Your generosity is humbling and appreciated.

Be genuine, share yourself and have a fabulous day!  Susan (aka SuzzzyGal)

My Experience With An HMO

Once in the hospital I needed to sign up for ObamaCare and based on the information provided I was eligible for a bronze level HMO.  It would not be active until 4 weeks later.  I was released from the hospital again after my hip replacement surgery into a rehabilitation facility.  The HMO required that I pay the deductible up front.  The deductible was $6,300 and placed on a credit card.  Oh boy!!!

I knew I was in a good facility.  After being evaluated by the Occupational & Physical Therapist, I stood for the first time before entering the hospital.  What a great feeling, I had lost hope that I would be able to walk again.  I began my physical therapy and gained some strength.  The HMO required weekly updates and by my second week they were ready to release me.  They felt I wasn't progressing fast enough.  I was weak and so disappointed with the HMO.  How can you release someone who isn't able to take care of themselves.  The HMO did not have my whole story, only that I had a hip replacement. 

During this timeframe my facility doctor had weekly blood draws and it became a concern that my hemoglobin was too low.  I was lightheaded at times while in therapy sessions lately and it was decided I needed to go back to the hospital for another blood transfusion.  I had lost a lot of blood during the hip surgery, along with my immune system being compromised from breast cancer.  After the transfusion, I returned to the rehabilitation facility 2 days later.

After spending a total of 54 days in rehab, I was walking with a walker and able to get to the toilet on my own.  This is where HMO's have some deficiencies.  Once released, I was brought home by a friend who luckily had a walker and commode that sat above the toilet.  My HMO doctor had received my documentation along with the home equipment list needed.  My equipment listed a wheelchair, commode, home healthcare and physical therapy.

It took three weeks to get a wheelchair and I was only eligible for physical therapy.  The commode was considered portable and the HMO would only provide one transport equipment.  Thank goodness for my friends equipment.  I had been in contact with the HMO, the doctors office and the referral department daily, weekly.  It seemed the doctors office kept losing my orders.  The constant waiting for everything, such as equipment, radiation treatments became more frustrating with each request.

In my lifetime working for different companies, I had been exposed to different health insurance policies including HMO's and PPO's.  I never experienced this with a PPO.  There are a lot of individuals who praise the HMO system, but I would not want to be sick while on their health insurance plan.  I changed my plan to a PPO during open enrollment with ObamaCare and qualified for a gold PPO plan costing less than the HMO.  Go figure!!!

Share your experience with your health insurance plan, good or bad.  It may help another make a better decision in their healthcare.

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I have a GoFundMe page for donations to help with my medical bills.  Your generosity is humbling and appreciated.

Be genuine, share yourself and have a fabulous day!  Susan (aka SuzzzyGal)

My Medications ... Oh Boy!

I had lost my mother the summer before and didn't have the guidance she would always provide.  I was on my own.  My friends have been a great support system when needed, but I am making major decisions on the fly since the hospitals.  I do my research as well.

I depend on my healthcare professionals to provide the best options for my course of treatment.  Taking Tamoxifen twice daily, plus Zometa treatments monthly to help strengthen my bones and just recently Falsodex (another anti-hormonal drug).  I can remember speaking to an American Cancer Society representative and asked about Zometa.  He gave me a long list of side effects.  I was in for monthly blood draws one week to keep an eye on my kidneys, plus IV infusions the next week.  Blood draws are difficult for me because my veins seem to hide and are deep, sometimes requiring multiple sticks.

Generally, after receiving my Zometa treatment, it drains me for a few days.  But my last treatment along with Falsodex (injections to right and left hips) left me hurting in my hips greater than usual.  I think the doctor hit my bone or possibly a nerve, limiting my ability to walk.  It took a week for me to feel my usual self.

I am walking with a cane these days for short distances and looking forward to warmer pool weather here in Florida for water exercises.  At the turn of 2015, it's a new health insurance year with ObamaCare.   Changing from an HMO to a PPO is the best thing I did for my healthcare.  Thankful that pre-existing conditions were eliminated, I know have an affordable plan.  It is certainly better than not having insurance, learned that the hard way.

March will be my 1st year anniversary of breast cancer and on Tamoxifen.  I still feel the lump in my right breast and will be going for a mammogram.  My Oncologist is suggesting possible radiation treatments based on my results.

I have a GoFundMe page for donations to help with my medical bills.  Your generosity is humbling and appreciated.

Be genuine, share yourself and have a fabulous day!  Susan (aka SuzzzyGal)

The First Day of The Rest of My Life!

A challenge to say the least!  It's a road one must travel step by step to recovery.  It's never perfect, obstacles everywhere, each day.  Emotional, physical and spiritual awareness questioned daily.

My breast cancer journey started January 2014.  I had just attended an event for my coffee business and came home with back pains.  It was something I thought was about getting older.  My mother had back problems so it was only natural to think that was my course at age 52.  So after time and trying to fix myself I became physically weak and scared.  Made a doctors appointment, had an MRI a week later for my back and right knee and that's the day I learned it was cancer.

Confirmed later at the hospital with pathology reports and with no health insurance.  Each time the five+ different doctors came in to discuss my prognosis, all I could hear in my brain was Ka Ching.  You truly can't afford not to have health insurance in the USA.  After 2 separate stays including a hip replacement for a fractured hip, I had accrued over $225,000 in medical bills. OMG!!!

I have Hormonal Breast Cancer Stage IV with no markers in my blood.  The Oncology doctor with the hospital said it was the best one to have and had only metastasized to my bones and not to any major organs.  (Thanks to Ganoderma Lucidum / Reishi Mushroom).  He said his case team was puzzled by that.  It's not terminal, he said, you could be hit by a bus before this gets you.  Really!!!  It was treatable with Tamoxifen and be on it for the rest of my life. 

It has been a challenging road since the beginning of last year.  I am able to walk short distances with a cane.  I've also lost 130 pounds too, now a size 16.  Going through all the phases of denial and acceptance about life.  My personal pity party (PPP) ended last month with thoughts in the direction of health improvement, happiness and writing my journey with you and for you.  Over the next few months, I will be posting about my progress, weight loss, recipes, supplements or anything interesting.

I have a GoFundMe page for donations to help with my medical bills.  Your generosity to help is humbling and appreciated.

Be genuine, share yourself and have a fabulous day!  Susan (aka SuzzzyGal)