A Little Reminder From the Dr.

Sorry I haven't updated for so long. I promise I will try to do better! This round of chemo was pretty rough. I experienced more severe and longer lasting side effects - bummer!  I have been having some abdominal pain and continuing nausea so finally I saw Dr. Miranda today. He ordered lab work and that looked pretty good. I am a little anemic but not too bad. Also my liver enzymes all looked okay, and that is awesome. We were concerned that my liver was angry but it is playing nice. :) Dr. thinks I probably had a stomach virus that led to some colitis - that's just an inflammation of the colon. We discussed treating with antibiotics but decided to not go that route if we don't have to. I don't have a fever or anything so we are going to push fluids, have a soft bland diet (yay, my favorite!) and see if things settle down on their own in the next few days. Also, more exciting news - when we were discussing some of my other symptoms (night sweats, difficulty sleeping, headache, etc.) the Dr. reminded me that the chemo completely shuts down ovarian function. So that means I am in full blown menopause! I knew that going into chemo, I had just forgotten! That little reminder actually helped explain a lot and made me feel less of a freak show! The plan for the rest of the week is to behave myself (Tyler is home this week so he narcs to the Dr. if I am naughty) and feel better! I hope to be able to work a few hours at the end of the week. I see the Dr. again on Tuesday so he can give the okay for my LAST adriamycin/cytoxan round later that day! As always a huge thank you to everyone for your unwavering love and support. We are nearly halfway through the chemo!! I am so grateful for my "fan club" that have been with us all along. A special thank you to my incredible ward who have rendered so much service over the years. I feel like I am forever in their debt! We are truly grateful for all of the love we have been shown. ~ Melissa

P.S. So, more reasons to count my blessings.  I have been learning about menopause, and have decided this is the perfect time to go through it! One big complaint is hot flashes. I have no hair to capture body heat - yay! Mood swings and irritability are common. I play the cancer card here - who is going to argue with a woman going through cancer treatment?? And finally - women often experience painful and tender breasts. This is a no brainer - nothing there so no pain!! I think I really am a lucky lucky girl ;)