Boring Update

I’ve seen significant improvement in my leg over the last 2 weeks so I’ve ditched the cane inside and outside the house!! That means no oxygen or cane! Plus I’ve been wearing my wig so hopefully random people don’t know there is anything wrong. I haven’t been stopped and prayed over recently in the grocery store so I’d say that’s progress!! 

I’ve noticed people stopping themselves mid-complaint to say they’re sorry to be complaining about something normal to me. Does that mean I’m not allowed to complain about normal stuff? Because I had a head cold last week that was no fun so I’d like to complain about it!! Seriously, though, life goes on and while this situation does bring some perspective, I still want to hear about normal stuff…the good and the bad. I hope most people aren’t filtering themselves as I’m certainly not. 

I successfully navigated my first work trip since this all began a couple weeks ago, but it was a car trip. Since that went well, I’m headed to Memphis tomorrow on an airplane. Hopefully I’m ready. It does feel normal to be going back to my 2nd home (and to my secret life, according to Tyler). I did decide I should check my bag…that may be my only concession. I may be confined to the couch for a bit when I get home to recover.

Side effects this cycle seemed even milder than the last 2 cycles, which were pretty mild. But, maybe the cold masked the symptoms? Not sure, but generally, I’m feeling good. Woot woot!

Enhertu & Scan Results

I met with my oncologist today to review the results from my CT scan last week. Overall, the results were positive as there was no change since my scan in August which means STABLE!!  This was the goal. My next scan is in 3 months and I’m told that no change on that scan would be good news too. I selfishly want to see shrinkage, but that might not be reality yet. Patience is hard. My oncologist is focused on my whole self and is pointing to the lack of oxygen usage as another sign that Enhertu is doing what we want. 

My 3rd infusion was also today and that went smoothly. Side effects continue to be limited to GI unrest.  Lovely, right?  Hopefully I can address that by being more proactive with meds. I have a tendency to take something when it is too late.

The hip is recovering well, but I’m having pain in my knee, ankle and toes that is being attributed to arthritis. Sara thinks the new hip leg might be slightly longer so I’ll need to try an insert in my other leg too. I’m trying out a cream that just moved from prescription to over the counter for the arthritis. If that doesn’t work, I have a script for a non-steroid anti-inflammatory. It can also upset the stomach so I’m trying to avoid that. Overall, I don’t like taking anything. But, I have options which is good. Keep trying until you find what works…I guess I need to be ok with that for chemo too.

I got a strong dose of steroids today with chemo, but want to avoid them as much as possible hoping my moon face will go away. I’ve been off daily steroids for a week now.  I can hide the cheeks if I take the pic from the right angle :) I’m getting used to the wig and feel less self conscious with it, but I’d love to find something short and funky. My eyebrows and eyelashes are back…and my mustache!! Ugh!  I also have fuzz on my head, but it is nowhere near covered. And the areas that were radiated are seriously lacking. Maybe I’ll have enough to ditch the wig and hats in the spring?

I’m getting around more…I’m slow and get tied fast, but I’m there! Akron,  Ithaca, Pittsburgh and I’m about to book my first work trip to Memphis which I think will be ok if I bring the bare minimum, keep the weight of my backpack/luggage light and put myself in a position not to need to run to catch a plane. I also stopped using the scooter at the grocery store a couple weeks ago so I’m back to shopping with a cart. Thank goodness as those scooters are annoying. In the couple of months I used them, I only hit one person :) Oops!

Overall, I’m improving and trying to be ok with slow progress as that’s better than no progress. Reconciling how normal I feel in my head with my physical limitations is hard. My body had better catch up soon because there are adventures to be had. And I plan on enjoying all my minutes.