Changes in life...warnings!

I found out yesterday that I have HYPOTHYROIDISM....and the meds I am taking will FINALLY help with my long enduring FATIGUE I have had for years..let alone after Breast Cancer surgery and Radiation.

Not only that! But weight! (so the photo above is ALL ABOUT hopefully..the NEW ME!!

Clothes that fit right and notice the CHOCOLATES..just kidding! But actually found out that %70 DARK chocolate at 2 pieces a day is good for you!!

I wondered WHY I had gained weight at the onslaught of my Breast Cancer diagnosis. I thought it strange. My dietitian said the 8 out of 10 women with Breast Cancer, gain weight.

Okay. But...since then, I have restricted my DIET and tried walking and drinking water like you wouldn't believe...EVERYTHING!!! and NOTHING was working!

I know my body...and something kept telling me..this is NOT right. I wasn't eating enough to gain...gain..gain. It was getting depressing.

A couple weeks ago I noticed increase swelling of my ankles..and other parts of my body (those I figured was weight gain or water weight) My feet have been aching for weeks and my legs...AND then my arms and hands...and numbness. STRANGE?

I had also noticed in these weeks my eyes being PUFFY..but thought it was my seasonal allergies. I've looked like this off and on all my life!


I missed filling my Blood Pressure meds (DO NOT DO THIS!!) due to a trip I made and just not realizing I was getting low...it happened unfortunately on a weekend ..the 4th of July so MONDAY the doctor's office was closed to do the okay refill..of all times it needed a doctors verification! SIGH. I went 5 days without...and by Tuesday..I was feeling pretty lousy...

I ran some errands but while in the store..thought..YOU better go check your Blood Pressure..RIGHT NOW! 173/92 Not good. I immediately checked out...and then drove to my doctors office. Praise the LORD..I got right in. I'm sure the BP reading and swollen ankles helped. I figured at the office I would get my meds without having to wait any longer...we did a EKG..FINE. Chest x-ray FINE.

Blood work...the results my Thyroid.

Makes so much sense to me now as I read over symtoms...WOW..I have them all.

Now about BREAST CANCER...and this. I was on HORMONE therapy for many many years..thus giving myself a synthetic hormone. Over the years...my level of fatigue had grown worse..and of course my HRT dosage was lessened..so less hormones. When I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer..I immediately stopped my HRT...this was fueling my Cancer. So this then put me in a NO HORMONE status..thus the Thyroid event must have started revealing itself..slowly....and I'm assuming...at this point caught up with me.

Could it be the LORD allowed all this for me to FINALLY find out what my problems have been? I am soo THANKFUL for the relief this has brought me in KNOWING what is going on with my body and why!! Now, I can do something about it! AMEN!

What is funny...is that I noticed just recently that the outer part of my eyebrows seemed to be fading out? is this aging? Oh my?

NO a symptom of thyroid problems!

Also the puffy eyes...sudden weight gain...extreme fatigue.

It is noted that it causes joint pain, muscle aches...

a LOT of symptoms we tend to think are other problems. I did.

NOTE the THYROID affects EVERY part of your body!

These hormones T3 and T4

regulate metabolism

physical and mental development

nerve and muscle function (I read about this associated with Fibromyalgia also)

and circulation.

If you have any of these symptoms...a simple blood test can reveal the help you might need. However..I did have my Thyroid checked many times over the years.
Perhaps the HRT was masking it? It will be interesting to find out.

My mother and sister both have Thyroid issues..so guess who was next! ME.

I thank the LORD for revealing to me at this time how to take care of myself and to get back to good health.

I will be having an Ultrasound done in a couple months to check the Thyroid gland and lymph nodes. Please PRAY with me...for a good outcome.

I hope this information will be helpful.

Blessings and GOOD HEALTH TO YOU..
HOPE

O Magnify the LORD with me...as I rejoice in the GOODNESS of the LORD!

I've had my follow up appointments with my Breast Cancer Surgeon and a mammogram...the first since my surgery (Lumpectomy)January 15.

ALL IS WELL.

I also spoke with my Medical Oncologist about the medication I was taking...and stopped. Though I understand completely the liability of a doctor. I pretty much could tell he agreed. He didn't pursue any persuasions or questions that might have made me decide otherwise. He didn't even say...think upon it more. I know he could see that I had researched..concluded the nutritional benefits and therefore felt I was confident in my decision. AMEN.

It was quite funny...as I have a weight loss goal I'm WORKING on...and at my first appointment did the weigh in... SIGH. And then one hour later at the next appointment ....weigh in time...WOW!! I LOST FOUR POUNDS in ONE HOURS TIME!!! AMAZING!!! ( a new kind of weight "watchers" diet!) you literally WATCH the scales change from place to place!

So that none are discouraged when visiting the doctor..make sure you weigh yourself at home or on a SAME SCALE each time for accuracy!!

I plan to post more CANCER information that I've gleaned and my own experiences in hopes of helping others in this journey or who might have fears of the "unknown". Find COMFORT in knowing the LORD is ever present...

and HE KNOWS...

the path that I take.

Psalm 34:1-4
I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof and be glad.
O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together.
I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.

Happy Birthday Kelly Anne

I thank my God upon every remembrance of you... Philippians 1:3

This post is dedicated to Kelly Anne Johnson...

in celebration of her birthday July 3!

Kelly has been such an INSPIRATION to me and many others in her ongoing battle with Cancer...but also just being Kelly Anne!

She shows her care by
reaching out to others,
just to say...

"I'm praying for YOU!"


Words of comfort...
that come from her heart,
at such a time as this...

"I'm praying for YOU!"

Unselfish thoughts of joy
for others,

"I'm so happy for YOU!"

......and.....

She passes this along...
to those in her path,
a witness that is true...

"Grace upon Grace..Always enough...Always more"

Thank you Kelly Anne for your friendship...your kindness...your prayers...your faithfulness...and your testimony of LOVE for the LORD JESUS CHRIST!

Happy Birthday to you!!

Love,
HOPE

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