So Far, So Good
More good news!!! Last week Wednesday, I went in for my first mammogram since just about this time last year. After many, many slides taken of each breast, results came back and showed NO suspicious masses or calcifications. ALL CLEAR!
Shortly after my mammogram appointment, I met with Dr. Meric (my surgical oncologist) for a one-year follow up. She was happy with my recovery. I asked about my range of motion in my right arm. She had me raise my arm above my head, out to the side and stretched back as far as I could. Then she said, “Unless you’re planning on pursuing a career where you’ll need to flap your arms, I don’t think you need to be worried about your range of motion.” Seriously though, she recognized that my range of motion was excellent given the extent of the surgery I had undergone. She also let me know that I would probably always have slightly less range of motion in my right arm than my left.
After meeting with Dr. Meric, I met with my nutritionist, Danielle. I have been very frustrated with the amount of weight I’ve gained over the past year, so that was a big topic of conversation. I walked her through a typical day of food intake, explained that I was having a very difficult time exercising because by the end of the day, I’m pretty wiped out and shared that I had developed a sweet tooth like I’d never had before.
I didn’t need any new tools or diets from Danielle, but I hoped that she might be able to offer some insight into my body’s reaction to cancer treatment – surgery, chemotherapy drugs, radiation, Tamoxifen. Danielle validated my feelings of frustration with my change in weight and mentioned that she had worked with lots of other breast cancer patients who struggled with weight gain (it’s typical for breast cancer patients), craved sweets (probably the body looking for an energy boost due to fatigue) and experienced more pronounced fatigue. She encouraged a slow and steady approach and confirmed that I was headed in the right direction - I am tracking what I eat and am looking at ways to incorporate gentle exercise into my schedule.
The next day, I went in for a three-month follow up with Dr. Terrefe (my radiation oncologist). Dr. Terrefe was pleased with the results of my mammogram, the condition of my skin and my range of motion. She, too, was very satisfied with my recovery so far.
Tonight I finished up my 5th Zometa infusion, and won’t have to make my way back down to MDAnderson until the end of May – for my 6th and final Zometa treatment.
All in all, things are moving in the right direction for me, and that makes me very happy.
Lots of love to all – Lisa
-MESSAGES-
Great News Lisa!!! Kathy and I are both so pleased with your latest checkup. I talked to your dad last week and he said that you were heading over to Michigan to participate in a 5-K with Kelly. We are so happy for you and the progress that you have made. You are one tough cookie!! P. & K. M.
Two words...Red Meat!!!! That's what you need more of!!!! Just kidding! I'm so excited for you! Sounds like you guys are due for a big celebration! One year down and another hundred to go! Hugs!!!!
Woo hoo! Lisa I am so glad! I think of you and Nat often. It must be so nice to return to some sort of normalcy in your life (...although I'm not sure how normal you two ever were :) I hope to see you both soon. Love, G.
Way to Go! You're an amazing woman who has handled a really difficult situation with an incredible amount of dignity and grace. I am so proud to know you and call you my friend!
Great News! I am so glad to hear the update, I was thinking about you just yesterday. I am very happy that you are doing so well. Love, L.
Wonderful! Great news! Happy to read of your continued progress. Here's to a delightful, stress free summer. All my best, B.
One and counting! I am pleased to hear of your successful anniversary!!! And as far as the weight gain at least you have an excuse...ha! ha! Seriously, I hope you are doing well. I think of you often and wish the best for you and your family!
Hooray Dear Lise: So happy to hear the news about your progress. Think of you often. Saw the pictures from the race in Lansing and thought everyone looked great. Keep up the good work. Love, A. J.
Go Lisa!
G. and I are so happy that you're feeling better.
Hello I am so glad that you are doing better. You’re better and your BEST days are coming as well. S.
Wonderful news. Lisa, So glad to hear the good news and the "All Clear" declaration. What a journey this has been--and what an inspiration you have been to all of us who have followed along with you. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and feeling along the way. With hugs from one of your Ann Arbor fan club, j. l.
What great news! What wonderful news. Doesn't get much better than that! You are a walking inspiration to all who come in contact with you. Knowing you has made me a better person. Congratulations on your fight! Love, M. and C.
Wonderful news, Lisa!!!! Dear Lisa and Family, I was so pleased to get the message you had an update and such super news too. You have been and will be on my "List" and we will keep you there for a long time. Keep up the good work and hope to hear from you again soon....LOTS OF LOVE AND PRAYERS, S., J., M. and D.----PS. try not to get too skinny!!! You have to have a little cushion, you know!!
Way to Go!! Lisa, the L./H. cousins are so thrilled for you that you have come out of this annus horribilis so well. We hope we will see you at Jon's wedding to forge new memories and move ahead and give you huge hugs of love. B. and L. H.
Great News! You are doing all the right things, Lisa. Exercise, proper eating, consulting with professionals. . . No wonder you had a clean scan! This is such terrific news. . . Hugs to you, C.