Physical Therapy

After work today, I went for my first physical therapy visit.  Hopefully, gently working and stretching will help get the kinks out and return my range of motion and strength.  I will be going every Tuesday & Thursday for at least 4-6 weeks.  I'm really excited about getting to this next step in my journey.

I want my strength back!

I don't want to be so fatigued anymore!

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Haven't a clue

Not much to tell this past week.  After Tuesday, my body felt like it had been slammed by a mac truck.  Amazing how stress can mess with the body.  I'm still getting use to taking Arimidex  My blood pressure, headaches and pain got the best of me and I left work early on Thursday and slept through it.  Saturday, I slept a lot too.

I'm hoping that physical therapy will help me get my body moving again. My first visit is Dec 11.

Lots of anniversaries this time of year.  What date do you use?  The day of the mammogram? Day of the biopsy? Day of the diagnosis? Day of the surgery?  What constitutes the one year anniversary of cancer? 

Haven't a clue.

Christmas is around the corner and I haven't begun shopping or writing greeting cards. Christmas is so different without little ones.  As the years have come and gone, the meaning of Christmas has deepened for me and I surround myself with Christian music and listen to the radio programs that I love.

Wishing you all the joys

of this beautiful and peaceful season.

 

 

 

 

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My New Theme Song

Received second chemo yesterday. Recuperating today. Will go back for the

Neulasta shot in my belly at 4:30 this afternoon.

My sister, Heather, sent this video last night. I have been wanting to find a theme song 

and Stronger by Kelly Clarston absolutely speaks volumes to me.

If you want to subscribe to Megan's Facebook follow this link: 

http://www.facebook.com/megan.kowalewski2

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Getting Organized for Cancer Treatment

Binder with dividers

When I was first diagnosed with breast cancer I felt so overwhelmed with all of the information I was receiving. I was gathering so many lab and radiology reports and there were several appointments to keep track of. I decided to take control of my treatment by organizing this binder with dividers. It goes everywhere with me in case I become forgetful with "chemo brain". I feel more empowered by having this vital information at my fingertips. 

These are some suggestions for sections in your binder: 

• Appointments
• Medical Staff
• Medication
• Communication
• Radiology
• Labs-Tests
• Chemo Info
• Resources
• Nutrition
• Insurance - you might want a separate binder or folder

I created the following forms that I can use to record information. (A couple of the forms were given to me by my doctor but I revised them to make everything more uniform). Feel free to download for your own personal use.  I have suggested the number of copies you may need in parenthesis. 

• Appointments for Treatment (5 copies) Hole punch and keep in binder
• My Treatment Team (1) Hole punch and keep in binder
• My Contact Log (20) Hole punch a few sheets for binder. Staple the rest and keep by the phone.
• My List of Medications (2) Hole punch and keep in your binder
• My Medical Visits (25) Hole punch and keep in your binder
• My Food Diary (25) Staple sets of 4 - 5 sheets together. Keep in the kitchen for the caregiver to have easy access, or in the binder for your convenience. Show this to your doctor or dietitian if you are having problems eating.
• My Weekly Medication Log (50) Staple sets of 4 - 5 pages together. Keep with your tote of medications. 

Create a file drawer or file container to store all of the pamphlets  booklets, and other information you will collect over the next several months.

Use a tote or plastic container for medications and essentials needed during your care.  Store this tote on the kitchen counter. Make sure the thermometer is always returned to this container so you or a family member can find it quickly.

Here are a couple of other suggestions for your binder. A nice hole punch and a vinyl business card holder.

I purchased a Swingline hole punch because 
the lever is easier to push

vinyl business card holder

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Blog Your Way to Better Health

I have been a blogger for over 3 years and have taught students and teachers about blogging. Read more about my passion for blogging.

When my sister was diagnosed with breast cancer a year ago she asked me to help her start a blog, Living in The Moment, which has blossomed into an impressive account of her journey. However, when I was diagnosed with breast cancer a month ago I was practically frozen with fear and the last thing I wanted to do was to blog about it. In fact, I shut down most of my other blogs. Then Carol sent me this article, gently nudging me to reconsider. Finally, twelve days after the diagnosis I decided I would blog about my journey through breast cancer.
I know you might feel uncomfortable visiting my blog. Every time I checked Carol's blog I felt so guilty peering into her private thoughts. But it's just the opposite for those of us with "blogger blood". We really want people to visit our site as we bare our soul and find our voice. We want to build our own support group of people who will encourage us as we fight this battle. More importantly, if there is just one other newly diagnosed cancer patient who finds answers on our blog then it has served a greater purpose.

Blog Your Way to Better Health, Health Monitor

I have so much to say and need an outlet to vent.
I wish there was a way to keep my friends and family in the loop.
I want to share what I go through with others who can relate.

If these thoughts sound familiar, you may want to consider starting a blog, or online journal.

Blogging can help you better manage your daily struggles—and help you feel better in the process. In fact, cancer patients who journaled prior to their chemotherapy treatments responded better emotionally and physically, according to a study in the journal Oncologist.

Not sure where to start? Free blogging websites like wordpress.com or blogspot.com make it easy. If you have an email address, then you’re ready to begin. Give yourself a username, password and blog title. And don’t forget to personalize the look of your blog to make it your own. If you don’t consider yourself creative, choose from a variety of ready-made templates.

Then, start writing your entries! You can blog about anything you want, from your diagnosis to your daily activities. Some prompts to get the creative juices flowing: What was your doctor appointment like today? Did you discover a new chemo-friendly recipe? Would you like to share any inspirational quotes?

It won’t be long before you’re posting like a pro. The more you update your blog, the more you will build a regular readership. Plus, establishing a community of readers will motivate you to write even more.

A blog can also bring hope to others. Be a teacher; offer advice on what has and hasn’t worked for you. Your audience will benefit from your guidance, and you’ll feel humbled giving and receiving support.

Just remember to play it safe: Don’t post personal information about yourself, including your home address, birth date and phone number.

Updated June 6, 2012

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Follow Up with Surgeon

This morning I woke up to a migraine ... haven't had one of those in years. They always affect my vision and I knew that I would have problems driving to my appointment.  Matt was ready to take me, but by the time I was to leave, my vision returned.

I arrived at the Breast Center with the feeling of deja vu, I was doing this one year ago.  I wanted to sit with every patient in there and hold their hand. I remembered the anxiety and fear and disbelief.

The nurse updated my information and my blood pressure was 151/111. Kinda high ~

I met with Dr Partin first and she is just so thorough.  A very sweet lady.  She asked me what plans I had to celebrate my last chemo (Dec 14).  I really haven't thought about that. 

The thick tissue at my surgery site is scar tissue.  It should be watched for any time of growth.  She explained that since some of my lymph nodes were removed, my system has been interrupted and this could be why I'm not feeling 100%. The pain in my unaffected breast needs to be checked.  She also wants me to try tailored bras at:

I agree. Time to find something else.  She also asked if I had Fibromyalgia.  Nope.  She is sending me to physical therapy as my range of motion isn't far enough along.  They set me up for Dec 11.  After physical therapy is done, I plan to then go to a gym to continue building my strength.  I am weighing the most I've ever weighed in my life. Time to get these pounds off.

So, down the same hallways I had been through before for the diagnostic mammogram.  It HURT, but I've been through worse.  The technician told me to take a seat and if there was anything unusual, I would be sent to the ultrasound.  Waiting even 5 minutes gave my brain time to think too much.  It also gave me time to pray and just remember what I have already accomplished so far. 

The nurse came back to take me to the ultrasound.  So, with this, my emotions were raw.  Each place the wand touched and then stayed at was right where the pain was .... Her fingers danced across the key pad taking measurements of the areas she paused at.  It didn't take long and she asked me to wait for the doc to review the ultrasound and come in to give me the results. 

Dr. Davis and two other ladies came in .... 3? It must be bad news ....

"You are all clear on both breasts. Nothing at all to worry about."

The waterworks poured out.  I couldn't help it and I was just so relieved.

She took some time with me as I calmed down.

Thank you Lord Jesus for wrapping your arms around me today.  I felt your presence!

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The Anvil

So, I guess this is what my one doc was talking about when he said that most cancer patients feel as if an anvil is hanging above their head waiting to drop .... this was describing all the little bumps, lumps and pain we feel and wondering if the cancer is back.

Guess I will find out tomorrow.

 

In the meantime, I'm giving it to God.

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Catching Up

http://www.headcovers.com/caps/

On Friday I worked half a day and was glad to get out of there! Not because I hate my job (I love teaching) - because the scarf wouldn't stay on my head! Before my doctor's appointment I stopped by a cancer resource agency, to see if they might have some type of cap that would grip these slippery scarves. They took me to the wig room and showed me several plastic containers with knitted hats and said I could look through those and take whatever I wanted - it was free! Remember, if it sounds too good to be true..... They practically had me in a headlock and said I could have that adorable knitted hat that I picked out if I completed a small survey for them. I sighed and said, "Sure."
On the second side of the form there was some legal jargon about getting permission from my doctor before starting any of their physical activity programs, etc. I handed her the form and said I didn't need to sign it because I wasn't joining any programs. She said I needed to sign it as a formality, that these surveys are used to gather information to write grants. And if I came back to the facility in the future this form would be on file. I sighed again and said "Okay." I then asked if there were any other places that might have a cap to wear with scarves. She gave me directions to a wig shop around the corner.
I don't even want to go into the condescending tone I had to deal with. The clerk suggested that I use double sided tape to hold my scarf in place! I tried on some hats and she finally said, "We have some tape you could try." Then proceeded to cut two pieces which I stuck to my forehead and secured the scarf. I said, "I'd like a roll of that."
The clerk said, "I don't have a roll but can sell you some."
"Great. And I'll buy this terry night cap."
"That will be $19.38."
The tape bothered me all afternoon. When I got home I took it off along with some of what little hair I had.
I was going to decorate the Bingo hall for our Holiday Pancake Breakfast that night and put on a cotton scarf which stayed on much better. I wore another cotton scarf to the event on Saturday and had no problem with losing the head gear.

I searched a couple of online stores for chemo patients today and ordered 3 different caps, hats and cotton scarves. Problem solved!
I told Richard this can be my birthday present. I will let you know how the caps work with all the silky scarves my sister gave me.

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Our Beloved Sister

Missing you, Cathy

May 30, 1968 - December 1, 2007

Homesick - Mercy Me

My poem Until We Meet Again

 

 

John 14

New King James Version (NKJV)

The Way, the Truth, and the Life

 

1 “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.

 

2 In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

 

3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.

 

4 And where I go you know, and the way you know.”

5 Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?”

6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

 

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Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes (a david bowie tune)

Thursday was a milestone for Christie.  Plus it was Casey's last night in Ohio.  So what better way to come together than over a delicious meal.  Christie/Katie and me/Casey met at Bob Evans to hear about Christie's adventure and check out her new look.  It was wonderful to just come together in support for one another.

Katie, Me, Christie, Casey

As we were leaving our table, a woman motioned to Christie and pointed to her own pink ribbon lapel.  (Christie's scarf is certainly a way for folks to recognize a chemo patient)  Her name is Betty and she wanted to give Christie some words of encouragement.  It was certainly a blessing for Christie as she held Betty's hand and they shared with each other their own experience with cancer.  It was an honor for me to witness it, because it just affirmed to me that this journey is certainly a sisterhood.

Christie & Me

My emotions are still all over the place.  It is a mother's delight when we see our children happy and healthy.  Even though I miss Casey, I know that she is exactly where God wants her to be.  Thank goodness for Skype, text, internet and cell phones!

Friday Casey came to work to see some of the people who remember her from when she worked there and to introduce her to other coworkers.  I enjoyed watching my adult child answering the many questions asked of her.  I remember listening to a talk show about how to change your relationship once your children become adults.  It had some really interesting points.  The one I remember the most is "if your friend was going outside, would you say 'you better put your sweater on' ... well, you shouldn't!  and you shouldn't say that to your adult child either."  Food for thought.

Once she left, I prayed over her safety on her flight back to Colorado this afternoon.  (and God honored the prayer)

This week was exhausting and I do believe I'm going to sleep in Saturday!!

Changes to my appointments

My annual mammogram and follow up with my surgeon has been moved up to Dec 4.  Looks like they want to do a diagnostic mammo and ultrasound to check out some pain I've been having.  Also got the all-clear to go to my dentist Dec 4 for my 6 month cleaning.  The coumidin should not be an issue as long as I don't get jabbed by some of those wicked tools they have!



Philippians 4
⁶ Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. ⁷ Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. 

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