One Surgery Down

Just a quick post to let everyone know that the surgery to remove my ovaries was successful yesterday. I hurt pretty bad and am having shoulder pain from the excess gas - it was done laproscopically, but I should feel better tomorrow. It was a close call as to whether the surgery would take place because of the heart damage, but the cardiologist OK'd it last Thursday. Speaking of cardiologists, I finally see one tomorrow afternoon. I hope they can give my some ideas on how bad the damage is, if the heart can heal itself and can I still continue receiving Heceptin and have my reconstructive surgery in later summer.

Back to bed for me. Thank you again for your continued outpouring of love.

Oh My Achy Heart

I know, long long time no post. I can say that overall I feet fantastic. At least compared to this Fall, I feel like a new person. I am back at work 30 hours a week. Well, at least trying to stay near that number, but it is hard. I do find I get more tired and my mind drifts a lot. Of course, this could be due to middle age and not the cancer treatments. I have made several business trips lately and have enjoyed traveling again.

A quick update on my progress. The radiated site is healing but very scarred. Surgery next summer should relive some of that. My hair is growing back although much slower than I would like. I look like a marine. I have given up wearing a wig most of time, but still use a hat as it is cold here. The big problem is my heart. I have not been able to receive Herceptin for over a month due to my low fraction rates (below 50%). I had another MUGA today and it dropped again to 46% (was 67% before chemo). They will test me again next month. If the heart does heal and my rates go up to over 50% they will resume my Herceptin. I do hope that I can continue with this drug as it reduces the morbidity rate of my cancer by almost 50%. However, I am beginning to worry that the heart damage may be permanent, which is a scary prospect at my age. Will keep you all posted. I saw my surgical oncologist on Tuesday and she said I have had so many more problems than her other patients. Lucky me?

On a plus note... Mark and I went away for a 10 day Caribbean cruise. Big Thanks to Grandma Bolstad and Chief for babysitting. It felt so good to be away and not be a cancer patient. We had a wonderful restful time.