I'm Back Writing Again

JUNE 20, 2011:
It’s been a long time since I’ve written my blog. I apologize for the delay. It isn’t like I’ve been sitting around eating bonbons. I’m back to many of my activities as well as continuing with doctor appointments and catching up on all that I didn’t get done earlier in the year. Several times a week I’d talk to myself about writing

Mostly, I’m feeling well. I’ve regained most of my energy and stamina. My biggest challenge is peripheral neuropathy--some in my hands, more in my feet. It’s worse when I get up from the bed or sitting awhile. Sometimes it causes pain, other times tingling or numbness. The greatest disadvantage is that it feels like I have half-tennis balls under my feet in that my balance isn’t stable. It’s a very common side effect from chemotherapy.

MID AUGUST:
I'm feeling so remiss about not keeping this blog up to date.

So many of you have been fantastic with keeping in touch. I've enjoyed reading about your activities. I thank you so very much for caring and sending cards and notes. I want you to know that your efforts have been beneficial for me. Knowing that I had you surrounding me with love, which converts to me with God/Spirit/Divine, was uplifting. Most days your timing was perfect--an inspiring card or note to boost my spirit just when I needed it.

So often, I start the day determined to add to my blog...only to fail. I've written so very many blogs/notes 'in my head' when I'm doing something that only takes my physical attention. Part of the trouble is that I have so much to write about and I'm not as apt to write at night like I used to do. I'm working at making sure that I get proper rest.

It took a couple of months after I finished my chemo treatments to feel more like my 'old' self although the chemo side effects continued for much longer than I expected--mostly hand and feet neuropathy that worsened as time when on.

I started taking a med in early July (Arimidex) that I think is doing a job on my bones, joints and muscles. I ache all over. It's difficult to bend or squat because of the weakness in my leg muscles. My fingers and arms aren't much better. I'm hoping that this will pass.

I meet with a trainer once a week to learn exercises that I can do at home to strengthen my body.  Traci is excellent. She's taught me how to use a ball to exercise which is easier and safer than standing to stretch leg and core muscles. However, her concern for my safety is expressed in ways that indicate I'm an 'old lady'.  Now, I know I am 'old;' certainly much older than Traci... Time to face reality...chronically, I am old.

OCTOBER 2-- two months later!
I can't believe that I haven't updated this blog entry yet! My intentions have been admirable, but not productive.

I'm back to feeling decent again. Thank goodness! I was started on Arimidex in July. It's purpose was to stop my body from producing estrogen since my tumor was estrogen receptor positive (ER+). Our bodies need estrogen for our muscles, bones and liver. I felt decades older than the 70 years that I recently celebrated.

After being on the drug about two months, I asked the doctor if I could switch to every other day. He agreed. My reasoning was that the drug is given in the same dose to all women. The median weight of those taking the drug in the study was around 150 lbs. I’m no where near that number. After a few weeks, I continued to have the bone, muscle and joint pain. I wasn't gaining much of my strength back. My right thumb hardly moved and hurt when I needed to move it, especially when using a pen. I exercised it each morning and during the day which seemed to help.

Anyway, I stopped the drug about six weeks ago. Finally a couple weeks ago, I started to gain back my strength and have a reduction of pain. I'm doing well now; it's mostly my hands that have residue side effects.

My doctor suggested acupuncture; I had a treatment last week. I also had a PET/CAT scan later that same day. A needle was used to insert a substance. I didn’t realize that was part of the test; probably not a good idea.

Haven't seen much results yet from the acupuncture. At least I don't have the extreme pain I was having earlier and can hold a pen. Now, it's mostly just a nuisance. I feel strongly that I'm on my way to a complete recovery to B.C. (before chemo).

I'm back to teaching my Mac/Apple classes at our senior center. I've reduced my involvement with AAUW (American Association of University Women) where I was an officer for the past few years. I'm now active with The Women's Fund of Greater Rochester. I believe in the focus of the group, helping women to be independent, by working through effective organizations already established in the area . I also enjoy the company of the other gals that are a part of the group. I found that when I retired I didn't know a lot of people in the Rochester area since we moved here when the kids were in middle and high school, I was working and we were boating and not home that much. Getting involved in the community was my way of meeting other women who lived nearby. It's worked out well for me.

Since my diagnosis, I've been asked to speak about my experiences and what I've learned. I'll be doing a talk on October 8 at the Crittenton Cancer Center for a Swan for Life Event. I thought that I was going to be one of a few speakers. When the invitation arrived I realized that I was the Keynote Speaker. Today and tomorrow I expect to have a pretty good outline of what I'll say.

I'm recently involved with a group called, Caring and Sharing, helping to spread information to cancer patients. Because of my skills, I often do computer and photography work for volunteer groups. Sometimes, that keeps me much than I care to.

During the summer I had the opportunity to attend a wonderful weekend of Wellness at Great Lakes Sanctuary, west/south of Ann Arbor. It was sponsored by a grant from the Susan G. Komen Foundation. It was inspirational, healing, relaxing and invigorating. It was held about six times during the summer with 12 women at each session. The focus of the weekend was "Receiving". It was an eye opener in many ways for me. It was all about taking care of ourselves; I thought I was pretty good at that. Guess not! We participated in several wonderful movement exercises, art experiences, musical therapy, massages, Reiki and had excellent presentations about interesting and inspiring topics. The people who put it on were knowledgeable and caring. I believe every woman (and man) needs to experience a similar weekend. We even had a Foot Fairy visit us at night to massage our feet as we fell asleep. The Sanctuary is set up with simple, yet darling, cabins and facilities. Most of our activities were held outdoors, which I thoroughly enjoyed. At the end of the weekend, I experienced little or no pain. I felt revitalized, peaceful and content.

OCTOBER 9, 2011:
I’m loving our warm weather. I’m feeling well except for my hands and feet. I thought I’d shaken the neuropathy in my feet, but it’s back. It’s worst in the morning or after I’ve been sitting awhile. There’s no doubt that walking reduces it’s hold. The acupuncture hasn’t helped my hands, especially my thumbs. Now my left thumb and hand hurt. That’s the hand where I had the IV for my test. The needle was inserted near where the meridian point is on top of my wrist. Wonder if that caused chaos to my body? It could likely stop an energy flow.

On Saturday I spoke at the Swan for Life Cancer Foundation’s Event at Crittenton Cancer Center, East of Crooks, north of M59. It was a very nice event. The decorations were beautiful (tables were set up by local merchants), the food was delicious and prizes were plentiful.

If you want to read my talk, it is listed under the tab, “SFL Talk” near the top of my Blog: http://josettawood.blogspot.com

I’m grateful to have you as my friend. I’m thankful for your prayers, good wishes and healing energy as well as your notes and cards.

I’ll be seeing Dr. Fata on Monday. Dr. Jasti moved to the Veterans Hospital in order to have more time with her two children. I met with Dr. Fata for the first time, a few weeks ago. He's an incredible listener and very knowledgeable. I've been fortunate to have doctors who communicate well. It sure helps to reduce frustration.

I'm planning to update my Blog regularly again to tell you about some of the great resources I’ve found in our area.

Blessing to all, Josetta