Still a Survivor Girl

I have not blogged for a long time as I have had many new trials on my life and did not want to send out my negative vibes. But with every trial we learn, this too shall pass. I lost my house in July 2012. Moved the dog, cat and I into an apartment. It all turned out ok as we began our life as an apartment dweller. It has a few advantages. Smile.

Cancer Survivors and Weight Issues......I don't want to be a statistic

Hello Friends,

Today I start 12 sessions with a personal certified lymphedema trainer.....this is so "outside of my comfort zone". I have commented myself to 12 sessions and am somewhat nervous.  To prepare myself I walked up and down 960 stairs Saturday and Sunday--yes it took 2 days!

Statics show that 60-70 % of cancer survivors are overweight or obese. This excess fat increases your chances of your cancer returning. The fat cells store hormones that can be harmful to cancer survivors. I received lots of steriods with my chemo and I gained about 30 pounds. I did lose some that weight about 3 years ago but have this extra 10 lbs of FAT around my waist and stomach area.

I am 5' 3', weigh 139 lbs (shhh!) and my waist is 36 inches--OMGosh!! Your waist size should be 1/2 (or less)  of your height sooooo I have alot of work ahead of me. LOL  Now, don't get ahead of yourselves visualising  my hugeness, my hips are 39 inches. Pray for me to focus so I can lose inches, at least 4 1/2,  and a few pounds. On a positive note, at least, my reconstructed breasts will not get smaller. Yay for silicone.

To all of my survivor readers, I challenge you to get into better shape. I have limitations with my arm and shoulder but the trainer will show me how to work around my issues. UGH! If you live in Tarrant County there is an awesome program for all cancer survivors. You can contact Moncrief Cancer Institute at 817-281-9801 or Moncrief.com. They are in the  Ft Worth hospital district. I encourage you to check it out if you live locally.

Here's to less sugar (Dr Pepper) and more exercise!!

Thanks for your support!

I Played the Ovary Lottery and I won!

My genetic testing came back negative so I get to keep my ovaries....thank goodness, I have given them (those people in scrubs) so much else. This was also great news for my children so their chances of getting certain cancers are about the same as the normal population. Anyway, it was great news for all of us.

I have found a site called GoFundMe.com and thought I would try it out to raise money for physical therapy and garments for lymphedema. I have a very kind physical therapist that is working with me financially. I am so blessed to be able to get some treatment and then, as always, continuing my exercises at home. We all do that, right?!? I have learned to do them as the PT can tell if I don't do them. It is almost like going to the dentist and telling them you floss twice a day.

It has taken several years for me to find some great resources as I have not had cancer for 6 years but the memory remains fresh with scar tissue, all the surgeries and lymphedema. I didn't even know how to spell "Lymp a what" until I was diagnosed with it. I swear I felt like those people in scrubs were trying to kill me but I kept taking it. lol

God Bless all of family and friends for all their help and support. Many thanks and blessings to all of you that read my blog.

In 22 minutes it will be a new day. The Mavericks are playing tomorrow and I have a date with my man friend. Life is good and goes on even with all my complaints.

Each milestone I get to experience is beyond amazing.....

My sweet daughter called me one day in November to tell me she and her husband were expecting their first baby. Before I could comprehend that I was going to be a grandmother the BUT came. She was having symptoms indicating she was going to lose the baby. She went to the doctor several times in the next 2 weeks but continued to feel worse. Next thing I know, she is going to the Emergency Room for emergency surgery. As a mother, when you hear these words your adult daughter becomes a little girl again. I would give my life for this child and she was in such pain, emotionally and physically. She had an ectopic pregnancy and they had to remove a fallopian tube. She was so vulnerable, so sad and grieving and just had surgery. She and her husband were devastated as we all were. I cried, we cried. It was one of the saddest days of being a mother.

A few months later she calls me to tell me they are expecting but having problems. We were all afraid to feel excited, after several doctor appointments and some meds she has been able to carry the baby. We are still on pins and needles but hopeful as each week passes. She is now10 weeks and 2 days pregnant. I feel bad as they have been afraid  to celebrate; waiting for a few more weeks to pass until they can feel confident and "safe" that they will become parents of a beautiful baby--truly a gift.

My daughter is now 12 weeks pregnant and starting to have a tiny baby tummy. She is still having morning sickness--all day long.

Today my daughter and her husband got to tell the world that they are expecting their first baby. The first grandchild on both sides. It is going to be a wonderful life for this bundle of joy.

Once you had survived cancer the milestones in your life are even more fabulous. I am so very thankful to God every day for all the milestones I have gotten to experience. This milestone will be one of the happiest days of my life.

The Ovary Lottery.......genetic mutations and such!

I went to genetic counseling as the Oncologist had me scared to death. I qualified for the testing due to my family history so now I have to wait a couple of weeks to see if I have one of the two breast cancer genes. So glad my name got chosen for the lottery, I feel like it is the luck of the draw. They may get my ovaries; so what do I get? Do I get to bait and shoot a deer or bear? Or do I win lots of money...those are the 2 lotteries I am familiar with. lol

Waiting on the results is making me anxious as the results will affect my daughter and my son so please say a prayer that the results are negative. Thank God, I am not waiting on biopsy results. After all a breast cancer patient does to become a survivor any minor surgery will be a piece of cake.

I will be a six year survivor in a few weeks so I can't believe I even have to be worrying about ovaries. I had thought this journey had ended. Some breast cancer histories just keep on giving their love and subtle reminders.

Ovaries and Estrogen Oh my!

Last month I went to my Oncologist for my now annual check up. They had to stick me 4 times to get blood but, overall, the check up went well. Then they dropped a bomb on me. They said since I was considered young when I got diagnosed with breast cancer that I should have some genetic testing done and possibly have my ovaries removed. WHAT!!! I had a job and insurance through all of this cancer stuff and then 3 months after my insurance ends I have this information given to me. I am hoping that the cancer protocal has been changed because I could have all this done a long time ago and would hate to think they "forgot" to mention it. UGH!!

Can you sell an ovary and lingering estrogen? One that doesn't function and has been chemofied.....hmmm.....I am thinking NOT. So I wonder how many doctors are sitting in their offices just waiting for my call so they can donate their time and money for me to get the testing done. I have left a message for a social worker to call me from my oncologist's office and a financial counselor at Baylor BUT they have not returned my calls. I will just sit back and pray while I wait for my phone to ring. LOL

If your cancer was "estrogen feed" keep an eye on your ovaries.

Thoughts of a Survivor Girl: The Saga continues.......

Thoughts of a Survivor Girl: The Saga continues.......: Well, let's see. It has been a long time since I have blogged. Life is sure crazy, sometimes you have to let it spin and just land--anywhere...