Two more treatments done

Two more treatments are done. I had one on January 8 and January 29 (Scott's Birthday). I finally got to see Dr. Kari. I am very excited that I do not have to see Dr. Mark again. The exam with Dr. Kari was quite thorough. For 4 weeks I have been very tender and swollen under my left arm and breast. It didn't help that I had been fighting a chronic cough since before Thanksgiving! I wasn't sure what the issue was since I knew lymphedema most commonly will affect the arm. Lymphedema is the result of disruption in the lymphatic system, resulting in obstructed lymphatic flow, swelling, pain, and susceptibility to infection. (www.lymphedema.com). Once again, I am not the norm. Unfortunately, there isn't a whole lot you can do to help the situation. But half the battle is just knowing what you are battling.

My hot flashes are ----- let's just say I am loving Winter and the cold weather! I am not quite on board to increase the dosage of my meds I take to help minimize them just yet. Instead, I have decided to try accupuncture. The Susan B. Komen Foundation has given the UW Cancer Center a generous donation for 3 free appointments for Integrative Medicine for patients. I am very excited. I am hoping that all those little needles will not only help with the hot flashes, but also my headaches and back pain. Dr. Kari suggested I go to the Headache Clinic - which I am not opposed to - I just want to try the little needles first.

I am beginning to see the end of this cancer journey, though, there is a difference in opinion as to when it will end. Dr. Kari thought June, I thought April 2nd!!! I hope I am correct and she isn't. Two more months would be a drag. Good news, though, she said there was nothing to worry about with my recent mammogram and that if I wanted, I could get my last treatment and go straight to surgery from there to get my port out. Maybe there is a new batch of Hotties to look at in the surgical ward!! Something more to look forward to.