Sunday 29 June 2014

What's New With Me

What's new with me? Very little, I'm pleased to report.

I saw my oncologist this past week and got the results of the latest series of tests. The Herceptin can harm my heart, so I need an echocardiogram about every three months. I did the test earlier this month and my "ejection fraction" rate is just fine. I had also had a CT scan, the first since January, I think it was. My GP likes to be able to deliver good news, so he had already let me know that my tumours are stable. The remaining liver spot appears "treated." There is nothing new in the rest of the abdomen and pelvis. The bone tumours are still there but stable. My oncologist's colleague, who I saw last visit, had ordered an MRI of my axillary skeleton. The previous MRI, to which it was compared, was from May 2012, about halfway through my chemo. As a result, there were some new spots that showed on the MRI. Nothing to worry about. More importantly, the MRI showed fatty infiltration, which in English means the bones are healing.

I asked the oncologist to check out my right breast. That is where the lump was, the lump that started shrinking after the first chemo treatment. Until recently, the lump was gone and the remaining fullness was barely perceptible. That has changed. Now it feels like a lump to me. I have had some pain in that breast as well, off and on. I was a little worried. I had always felt relieved that I hadn't needed a mastectomy. For the first time, I wish that breast was gone. My oncologist, who I trust very much, didn't think it is worrisome, he said it felt "stringy." We will keep an eye on it. If it changes further, a mammogram may be needed.

In other news, Dad and I have been busy all month dealing with financial advisors and the lawyer, settling Mom's estate. There are some forms still needing to be signed. And we haven't even started cleaning out her room.  This will take a while. Meanwhile, I try to call Dad daily and see him a couple of times a week. He is coping well, but is lonely. I miss her too.

13 comments:

  1. Yey! Congratulations on your "stable" news!!! I too have had stable results in my last scans from Feb this year and will have new ones coming up before my next doc appt in September. Hope you and your dad feelings of loneliness are tempered with the knowledge that your mom is at peace. Sending hugs.
    Aurora

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  2. dear Kate,

    oh, yay! for fatty infiltration! and stable! thank you for this uplifting update. I hope that you and you Dad are getting through so many of the "firsts" after losing your Mom feeling gratitude and comfort for having each other. I send you both gentle, warm hugs...

    and much love, my Friend

    Karen

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    Replies
    1. Thank you, Karen. I hope all is well with you as well. ~Kate

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  3. Yay Kate!! So glad to read your news... I'm also glad that you and your Dad have each other there. xoxo

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  4. Hi Kate,
    I have been thinking about you lots and wondering how things are going, so I really appreciate this update. So glad, too, that not much is going on for you health-wise! And as for the sorting out of your mom's affairs and her personal things, well, that all takes time and it's emotionally exhausting. Don't rush yourself. xoxo

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  5. dear Kate,

    just a little note to let you know I am thinking of you. I know only too well how grief can spiral and be such a tsunami at times; the loss of your dear Mom as well as having to see it through your Dad's eyes must be very difficult, and at time overwhelmingly exhausting. I continue to hold you close to my heart and am still sending you many gentle and warm hugs to help comfort you. and I am so, so glad that you are doing so well health wise.

    much love,

    Karen xoxo

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  6. Hanks for the gentle hugs, Karen. I'm tender from a recent port insertion (about which I must blog) and a hip that has hurt for a month. The last few weeks have seen a flurry of tests to ensure the sore hip isn't a sign of progression. The funny thing is, I went to my GP about strep throat and just mentioned the sore hip in passing. I think all is well and hope the same for you. ~ Kate

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