My New Health Journey - Part 2

I had a telephone conversation with my Oncologist's Nurse Practitioner, yesterday. The news she gave me was amazing!! Merry Christmas to me!



I've been taking Femara, since September; and she told me my tumor markers were significantly lower than when I first started taking it. Before I started taking Femara, my markers were in the mid-100's; they are now in the 70-80's range! I'm having to deal with six side effects, but just hearing the news that the drug is working, gives me the energy and determination to continue dealing with those side effects. Tumor marker levels in the 30's are considered normal; I'm almost there! No need for chemo, yet!

Roughly two years ago, I told my Oncologist that I wasn't willing to go the conventional treatment route, anymore. The last drug combo (hormone blocker and chemo drug) I was on caused me 14 side effects, and I was miserable!! I told him what I had planned to do; he supported my decision, and said if I needed him, just call. Turns out, I didn't do it right; while I was doing things the natural way (vegan diet, supplements, etc), certain tumors on my spine were growing; that wasn't part of my plan! But I certainly wasn't being savvy; and I was making matters worse.

In August, I got back in touch with my Oncologist; after having my two intense surgeries. The surgical sites are completely healed, and my tumor markers are responding rather well to the Femara. I'm a vegetarian, rather than strict vegan. I still don't eat meat, or dairy; but I will eat eggs and honey, occasionally, because they're good for ulcers. And my ulcer "diet" is taking shape, slowly; I'm experimenting with a few things, just to see what my tummy likes/doesn't like. I have recently learned that even the black olives are not tummy friendly; at least not for me.

Last night, I ate a Subway sandwich for dinner; flatbread, is my thing! My sandwich had lettuce, tomato (raw ones don't bother me), green bell pepper, and onions. I dressed it with the garlic and herb oil, for some healthy fats, because guacamole bothers my tummy. I'm pretty sure the flatbread is made with refined white flour, but so are the other breads. Refined carbs are not good for anyone; but, highly processed carbs are especially not good for folks with peptic ulcers. So, I'm going to need to find an alternative; or just not order that, anymore.

My learning curve is slowly being flattened. And I even have to find Christmas goodies that are tummy-friendly; I can't eat chocolate, or peppermint, which are staple ingredients for this time of year! So, my treats will probably be along the lines of vegan nog, snickerdoodles, peanut butter fudge, and gingerbread. Not that I'm complaining, mind you!

This morning, my daughter asked me to help her plan Christmas meals; namely dinner. She said she wants to do something different, this year; and still find things I'm allowed to eat. I'm sure I'll have fun helping her plan the menu!





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