Vitamin D-3

In my continued journey as a Breast Cancer Survivor...

Factual and documented INFORMATION is necessary...

...for decisions on continued treatments, nutrition and quality of life.

Most of all..PRAYER is VITAL!

I am so thankful that GOD intervenes and makes known to us what we desire for good reasons. I have asked for direction...for confirmations...but, with patient waiting.

I've done a lot of research and have found the IMPORTANCE of Vitamin D 3 in our nutrition. Many of us do not realize that we are Vit D deficient!

Vitamin D 3 (Cholecalciferol) has been found to be very beneficial for Breast Cancer patients... and studies show it lowers risk of certain cancers and recurrence!

Vitamin D can be found in Fortified Milk, cheese, butter, cream, fish, oysters and fortified cereals.

VIT D is also efficient for helping absorb Calcium. Calcium and Magnesium together help with absorption of these three vitamin supplements.

Vitamin D can be toxic in high doses. CAUTION should be taken and a doctor referral for proper dosage for age and health requirements

Vitamin D benefits include;

regulates immune system

Body weight

reduce risk of Rheumatoid Arthritis

absorbs calcium for healthy bones

lowers risk of developing cancer

lowers risk of recurring cancer.

Studies show that there can still be a deficiency regardless of nutritional status


The Dietary Guidlines...DRI..Dietary Reference Intakes.

IU international units 200 IU for most people

ages 50-70 400 IU

ages 71 + 600 IU

~~~~~~~~~~

UPDATE: I have been taking ARIMIDEX for the past three weeks.

The side affects have been:

INTENSE HOT flashes/sweating

Depression

Aching feet

Fatigue

Joint Pain

In my research of Vitamin D 3 along with some other nutritional values and findings of MY particular breast cancer (size-grade-type etc)it has a very very LOW recurrence percentage..I have decided to stop taking the Arimidex for the remaining month.

At the end of the month I will have my first follow up Mammogram since my diagnosis and see my Breast Cancer Surgeon as well as speak with my Medical Oncologist; to make my final decision on whether to continue with this medication.

This will not be a haphazard decision.

The side affects of this medication versus my recurrence rate will be the primary objective in my decision.


PLEASE NOTE...that all information here is to be further researched by the reader and advice should be sought from the medical profession.

THANKFUL for Life

Yes..you are seeing DOUBLE! and below is the THIRD! ...no not Triplets..but mighty close! These are my three precious grandchildren born on the same day! One on the West Coast and Twins on the East Coast!



and...with my Breast Cancer SURVIVOR Journey...how THANKFUL I am this day to be alive to rejoice in this wonderful blessing of LIFE!

...How timely as I celebrate each day of surviving Breast Cancer...

We take so many ever day moments for granted...but the birth of a baby is so precious...such an awakening time...as we behold God's magnificent handiwork of LIFE

Innocence of life....

Sobering as well...to know the responsibility that lies ahead for the Parents...and then in years to come the child himself.

My husband and I were so blessed to hear our son tell us...

"My children, are going to know more about the LORD Jesus Christ...than any of their TOYS!"

He has obviously observed the video game "lock in" of the child's mind today.

As I think upon my journal here and how GOD has intervened in so many ways...HIS WATERING WELLS are never empty. I draw from them daily...and I know that my children that are now new parents will certainly draw from these also.

In my Cancer Journey....I am so THANKFUL for the testimony of God's Graces that I can share with my children and readers. To give HOPE and COURAGE as they..you..face the future.

We know not what a DAY brings forth...BUT GRACE ABOUNDS ...ALWAYS.

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
Ecclesiastes 3:1

Now today...his perfect will and purpose is once again before us....You and I.

TRUST HIM.....TODAY.

Be encouraged by God's Word and the testimony of HIS good work in you.

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with GOD through our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 5:1

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ UPDATE~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
My fatigue has improved by eating the infamous Energy Bar (recipe) I've listed! AMEN
I will be posting on some helpful health benefits of Vitamin D and other needful supplements. I've done a lot of research and so happy to find the information I needed. An answer to my prayers!
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Blessings..
HOPE

I'm Fine Really!

I love this picture!!

...after some of my major fatigue days...I tried to convince myself of this!

I'm fine really!

just give me a minute...or two... or a CAT NAP and I'll be back in motion!

I am happy to say that most of those days are passing. I am one of those that tries to cram a million things to do in one day and now realize...there are limitations!

Like when I decided to move one shelf of things in my kitchen to another for easier reach..this led to moving a whole shelf of cookbooks...so that meant..

While I'm at it...better see if you need them all..

but wait..there MIGHT be some good recipe I noted...so with that..

Yes..an hour or two later..cookbooks scattered on the counter and my little save this one recipe paper(s)...

I found myself...saying...

WHAT HAVE I DONE?...

NOW I HAVE TO FINISH and clean this up in time to make dinner!

After dinner...and too tired for my evening cup of tea my husband prepared...I told him...

I'm fine really!

Breast Cancer Awarness Begins

My Breast Cancer Awareness campaign began the moment I was diagnosed with IDC. Invasive Ductal Carcinoma.

Upon the news of my cancer...my family and friends began to immediately reach out. The above photo is of the lovely bracelet one of my daughter in laws sent me along with this Breast Cancer Awareness tote bag.

It was my first touching moment of the heart..that made me realize how much people care...this along with a dear friend who also told me

..."Whatever I can do, please let me know...I can drive you to your appointments...anything!!"

This was just the beginning of not only a new journey in my life...a new chapter in my Christian walk...also a journey of LOVE.

So many people have reached out to me...in calls, cards, gifts, blog comments and just being here in person in my midst...I can't thank you enough!

And then even a lovely SONG written by my friend Deborah at Songs of my Journey. If you click on the right top photo this will take you to her blog with the song she wrote just for me. It is a treasure to cherish!

I have been truly blessed..FROM THE BEGINNING...with God's tender care and mercies. I have had excellent doctors and nurses. All answers to prayer! They have been informative and personally caring.


This book was given to me by my surgeon and I have enjoyed it so much. The information continues to be very helpful. The more informed you are the better..but make sure it is sound information..reliable. Don't believe all you read just anywhere. This book list many sources available to you.

You can read more about this book and information at www.EduCareInc.com this book is written by an Oncology nurse.

It is important to get the facts straight. There are many types of cancers...and each individual persons body makeup is different. I have found each cancer is so individualized that it is important to listen to your doctors. Ask GOD for wisdom in choosing and finding the right doctor and one you are comfortable with. I did this..twice and the LORD led me to the very doctors "I" needed. Along with my doctors and the information I acquired were very helpful to me as a patient in understanding my diagnosis, procedure choices and outcome.

STAY POSITIVE! GOD knows ALL your needs. I chose to yield to HIS WILL and not my own and thereby found perfect peace in allowing GOD to direct my paths!

Proverbs 3;5-6 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding, In all they ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

As I've exhorted others..TAKE ONE DAY AT A TIME...

Some things I have learned:

EARLY DETECTION...SAVES LIVES!

Yearly mammograms...or 6 months if you have had a previous suspicious spot!
(I had a suspicious SPOT...a compression done... then told to come back in a year) I would have caught mine even earlier had I been told to come back in 6 months)

No one knows exactly what causes breast cancer.

Get a second physicians opinion..if possible a breast cancer SPECIALIST.

Do not think you must or will have to have a mastectomy. Depending on the cancer..size tumor etc. There are many options!! Learn them all.

You do not have to fear..RADIATION. If you have read my past post...I have finished six weeks of radiation with minimal problems. Mostly fatigue. It is a perfected and safe procedure. Get information on who and where you will have yours done.

Keep a record of ALL appointments..from the day of your mammogram on.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Some information regarding my particular cancer:
Mine was NOT felt with a lump. It was detected by a digital mammogram and followed up with a core needle ultrasound biopsy which confirmed the diagnosis of IDC. Not all breast cancers are found by lumps so this is why Mammograms are so vital!

It is my prayer and desire in keeping this journal of my breast cancer, that it will help someone else. Help them have HOPE and TRUST in the LORD and to know that the LORD JESUS is the great comforter!


UPDATE: I am still dealing with fatigue at this time so I will post as I am able...pacing my activities. I was told and read...that fatigue can linger for an unknown amount of time after radiation. You have to learn what you can do..I'm LEARNING that! I've done too much in one day, thinking I had this great energy..to find out it depleted quicker than anticipated! I need to remember, that I'm still healing! Praise the LORD!

God bless..
HOPE

Breast Cancer Survivor Celebration Quilt

I was pleasantly surprised to receive this Wonderful, heartwarming gift in the mail Monday. This is only one side..the other holds many lovely blocks as well.

It is absolutely GORGEOUS!

A photograph does not even match the beauty it holds....nor the hearts of the ladies who made this. I have been a member of an online quilting group for the past four years..and during this time we have shared not only Quilting helps, ideas and swaps..but we have shared a lot of our life with one another. A diverse group...aged 20's - 70's...from newbies Quilters to experts. I have met two of the ladies in person..and one in our group is also a very very dear friend of mine living in another state. We have watched many of us suffer through difficulties and losses. Their support has been most encouraging to me at this time of my Breast Cancer Journey...and now this.

A token of LOVE from ladies all over the world. The United States..from the East to the West...from the U.K. and Australia! Just amazing. I am humbled at this thoughtful gift given with so much talent and time sacrificed for me.


Here is a sample of one with the Breast Cancer Ribbon.



And then...look at this!! The lovely square patch says "HOPE".




I thank the LORD for blessing my life so much...at such a time! He truly does make our paths to cross in the lives of others for so many reasons. I have been encouraged by HIS WORD, HIS PRESENCE and the people he has brought my way...even my readers here. THANK YOU!

These same ladies helped me make a Patriotic Quilt for my youngest son while he was in Iraq. (see my blog post archive at THIS IS THE DAY)

(UPDATE) my fatigue seems to be getting better! Might be the energy bar recipe I've been making! I will be giving you more information on cancer itself in upcoming post and my own experience and what has helped.)

Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O LORD, in the light of thy countenance. Psalm 89:15


Blessings to you..
HOPE

Radiation Therapy Graduation

Edit...there was some other picture here that was not mine...so it is now gone. I don't know how it came on here? Please excuse the note.

It felt this jubilent!! All smiles and hugs as I finished up my last treatment on Friday April 16th 2010.

My "girls" were such a blessing each day...very caring. We had a few moments to "chat" each day and share things about our lives.

The last day was very emotional for me. These young ladies became a part of my life history. I spent every day of 6 weeks with them...each morning rising, knowing I too would have a place in their lives. As with my ladies luncheon theme "Bloom Where You Are Planted (post on my blog... A Creative Heart) I wanted to plant seeds of faith in the hearts of all those around me.

BLOOM? I did.. in my own spiritual growth...seeing God's hand in various ways in my life..revealing my weaknesses...giving me strength...courage.

Several years ago for my birthday, I received a wonderful journal called;

"The Book of Myself"....A Do-it-Yourself Autobiography in 201 Questions



It is broken down into three parts of your life;
Early years/childhood...Middle Years/young adult...Later Years/Full Maturity

The topics are categorized also in each section by Family, Friends, Education, Work/responsibilites and The World

Some of the questions or statements to answer are;

Some of my favorites...My mother/father's traits were.....This gift really sticks out in my memory...My Parents felt strongly about passing on these lessons..
This is one of the most important things about life... This was big news in my youth... I saw the world around me change because of this..This is something I learned the hard way...If I could do this over, I'd....These people affected my life...These people were very dear friends to me...
This person had the most impact on my life...in my youth...in my young adult life...in my elder years.

Very sobering thoughts...to enter into your own autobiography.

I wonder how many people realize you record something about THEM that will be there for others to read. How about the BOOK OF LIFE...the record GOD keeps.

These girls will be written about in my journal of life...they will forever be in my thoughts as I pray and recall their names. They were with me through a journey that required entwined hearts. They have to watch patients day in and day out face the battle of Cancer....I as a patient watched them day in and day out..care for me.

It was a blessing to have these young women care about the work they do...with smiles and friendly voices. I have heard contrary in other locations of therapy..how sad. I thank the LORD for putting me in the hands of these Proffessionals with compassionate hearts. God has surely shown his loving kindness to me.

As I continue on my Cancer Journey...I will continue to give you information the I hope will be helpful and encouraging.

(Please continue to pray for Kelly Anne Johnson as she goes into a more aggressive phase of her Chemo treatments at this time)

Blessings...
HOPE

My Final Week of Radiation Therapy!

Week 6 and GRADUATING FRIDAY...as the doctor tells me!! He is a former Professor at a University so this must be HIS lingo for ending your course!

The LORD in his infinite graces...manifested it once again last week. I was SUPPOSE to be ending my treatments last week..but the machine was down. Nothing serious. Radiation machines run off a water cooling system. They do SAFETY checks EVERY day and Friday (that was the day, I just sooo happen to have to decorate for the Ladies Luncheon (see A CREATIVE HEART postings)...the water system was too warm.

NO THERAPY! AMEN.

I was concerned about being fatigued that day with so much to do and company arriving on top of it all...and the luncheon the NEXT day. I was tired..but nothing like the usual end of the week zap! Praise the LORD!

The weekend was MARVELOUS!

My dear friend I hadn't seen in TEN YEARS was visiting and went with me on Monday to my regular scheduled therapy. What a blessing to have a "friend" come along...

"I hope I can keep up with everything..was my prayer"

Company visiting..special meetings at church..EVERY NIGHT for a WEEK....
and dinners at church too!

Well...Tuesday, Wed and Thursday...the machine is down due to waiting on a part!

NO treatments!

(I did get the 24 hour flu bug Tues..survived! whew)

but...Thanking the LORD that the entire week was not with the usual fatigue....and had I had the treatments...my skin would have been something to deal with..NO WORRIES there either. AMEN.

Friday...I had ONE treatment...saw my doctor and all was fine....made it to the last Preaching service of the week...sang a special as planned...and enjoyed the fellowship of our dear friends ...ALL WEEK LONG!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Last Friday.. I gave gifts to my "team" and let them know how much I appreciated their time and encouragements..even if they do get PAID!

How surprised and pleased they were. I made the women HOPE-TOTES as shown above.
My oncology nurse Rose...even gave me a hug and was very touched by the unexpected gift. I PRAY that SHE is the one God sent me to minister to. She is very receptive. Please pray for her this week.

I can't express my THANKFULNESS for the sweet comments and your prayers!
God bless..
HOPE