The Savvy Survivor

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...

For the last 8.5 years, I've been battling Stage 4 breast cancer; in that time, I have, unfortunately, developed a few more health concerns. In the next few blog posts, I'm going to focus on the other health concerns; sharing with you the research I've done on how to manage/care for them. The newest health concern of mine is a peptic ulcer; I had to have abdominal surgery, to repair a perforated stomach, because the ulcer had become a life-threatening situation. I didn't realize I even had an ulcer, until I was told my stomach had ruptured. That's what's known as a "silent ulcer"; they're caused by overuse of NSAIDs; and there are no symptoms. For years, I've been taking too much Ibuprofen (1K mg at a time), too often (multiple times a week); you could say I was addicted to it. It became the only pain reliever I could use, that didn't make me feel loopy, like narcotics do. Having become addicted to it, my stomach reacted and formed the ulce...

Happy Thanksgiving to my American fans; may this day find you blessed and healthy ! To all of my fans, wherever you are, I count each and every one of you as a blessing; and I am grateful to have you in my life! This year has been a very difficult year for everyone; what we thought was going to be another "flu season" has endured the entire year; it has caused more deaths, unemployment, and hardships than any other pandemic in history.  But, those of us who have survived this year, have that to be thankful for...we're still here! There is hope, on the horizon! I am especially thankful for the breath in my lungs, considering I almost died back in August ! It is crystal clear to me, that my journey on this planet is not completed, yet. And while I can still draw breath, I have decided to make the most of the time that has been given to me. Bonus points to anyone who can tell me what movie I just referenced! As you navigate though your day, whether you are with your loved on...