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)