Things I've learned about CANCER continued...

There is much to learn about CANCER...

A VITAL subject..that I took for granted before my own diagnosis.

#1 RESEARCH and LEARN THE TERMS regarding CANCER...BREAST CANCER especially for us women.

I remember when my mother had Breast Cancer...DCIS. I read up on it...thought about it..but then let the information leave my memory banks!

Upon my diagnosis for IDC...RESEARCH was necessary. I didn't know anything about IDC. The more I learned, the better understanding I had of not only what was going on with my body..but the outcome as well.

As mentioned in an earlier post...My Breast Cancer surgeon gave me a wonderful book on CANCER that was a valuable tool for me. It gave me confidence as I listened to her talk to me about my Breast Cancer. The TERMS she used...I understood. The PROCEDURES understood...helping with decisions I had to make regarding my care.

You can also visit RELIABLE sources...the Mayo Clinic... Breast Cancer.org...
Make sure you read good reliable information. There is a ton of information out there...be careful what you read. Some of the "forums" with people talking about their conditions are deceiving. Remember...some people are just basic "complainers"... and they most likely...do not have the same doctor as you.

Read about the BRAVE and the COURAGEOUS..it will help you a thousand times more!!

#2 LISTEN to YOUR DOCTOR.
People want to help with lots of advice...but YOUR CANCER is PERSONAL.
I have learned how very individualized Cancer is for each person...and of course it would be...as we all have different inherited genes etc.

#3 Cancer is NO RESPECT OF PERSON.

Young and old alike get Cancer..and young and old alike..SURVIVE!

#4 It's either there or it is not.
You cannot THINK you are getting Cancer. When diagnosed..it is there.
EARLY DETECTION is a must however, to keep it from GETTING worse...by having your YEARLY MAMMOGRAM. They are accurate..mine was found by digital mammography.

#5 Don't PANIC
Research for Cancer is amazing..and continues day after day. There is always NEW trials and medicines bringing about a CURE! The medical facilities available and the doctors are a TEAM waiting to help you.

#6 SUPPORT those you know who have Cancer.
Be there for them...it makes a world of difference. The encouraging words and hugs give COURAGE. Though I have my Faith in the LORD...and understanding of his ways in my life...THE SUPPORT that was given me...did help me through each day.

TO THOSE...THANK YOU!!!...and may I be there for you in your time of need!!

#7 Cancer brings COMPASSION.
People who might not have otherwise thought to reach out...DO!
Strangers care about people with CANCER.

#8 WEAR your BREAST CANCER PIN!!!
Show the world who you are! Let them know you are battling a disease with COURAGE and let them get in the fight too..PRAYING...HELPING...DONATING.

As a SURVIVOR...I wear my pin to show that I am just that...A SURVIVOR!!!

In one reading I found..it saddened me that the Author used terms such as Betrayal...hopeless...Helpless...

NO!!! None of these words should be in your Cancer vocabulary!!

Because THERE IS HOPE..HELP and no you are not betrayed!!!

Don't forget...it all began in the Garden of Eden with sin.

Are you SAVED? maybe GOD is trying to get your attention! YOU NEED HIM!

Are you letting GOD USE YOUR LIFE...for HIS GLORY! He always has a purpose!

God manifest HIS GRACE...HIS MERCIES..and HIS PROVIDENCE in the lives of Believers.

Let HIS WILL be done and...as my dear friend Kelly Anne's song on her blog says..

"I BELIEVE TO SEE....THE GOODNESS OF THE LORD!!"

Look for HIS GOODNESS...and see the TESTIMONY of HIS GRACES..even in CANCER.

I thank the LORD for all he has allowed to come into my life...for by these HE has shown himself STRONG for me...HIS PEACE and ASSURANCE TRUE. HIS WORD my every HOPE and HELP in time of need.

Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel. Proverbs 27:9

I pray this has been hearty council in helping you..my friends.
HOPE

Things I've learned about CANCER!

PEOPLE CARE!!

The lovely Quilt Block in the photo reminds me!!

This is one of many put into the wonderful BREAST CANCER SURVIVOR CELEBRATION QUILT...my online Quilting group made especially for me.



Many gifts came in the mail at various times in this journey...I was so touched by the KINDNESS and LOVING HEARTS that wanted to REACH OUT to me at this time in my life...TO ENCOURAGE...and SUPPORT!



There was a special TEA time with dear friends...flowers from afar...a lovely teacup keepsake given by a stranger! A Willow figurine of HOPE...homemade cards...a lovely Breast Cancer bracelet...GIFTS OF LOVE.

I've learned...how important the support system is for someone with CANCER.... any ailment for that matter. As I've just learned of my Hypothyroidism...and the affects even this has on ones body. SUPPORT and ENCOURAGEMENT help so much as you go through each day waiting for medicines to work...for a day of feeling GOOD.

Gifts are thoughtful and a reminder as you look upon them..but the HEART of the people is what matters most...FRIENDS...FAMILY...loving you!

I've also learned the MOST IMPORTANT... CHRIST is all sufficient!

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
...for when I am weak, then am I strong. II Corinthians 9-10b


My faith was encouraged as I read God's precious WORD...strengthened with courage and peace.

The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace. Psalm 29:11

Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD. Psalm 21:24

If you know someone with CANCER or an ongoing illness...reach out to them! A word of encouragement...a card...tokens of your love for them.

Tell them the greatest of LOVE is the LOVE of CHRIST and how much HE LOVES THEM...

THE LORD IS MY STRENGTH AND SONG, AND IS BECOME MY SALVATION! Psalm 118:14

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