After a while I am now writing an update. I've just been living my life and it's nice to be able to focus on my usual routines of motherhood and exercise and usual stuff, like before I had the diagnosis a year ago:) My husband Jim and I just celebrated our 16th Anniversary and I am nearing my 46th Birthday with a new perspective on life for sure. Spring is here and I have planted my veggie garden, my flower beds and we are expanding the back yard to include a chicken coup for the first time. It feels like a second chance after the events of last year and I am grateful for it.
Only difficult part is the fact that the I'd like monitor myself a bit more proactively then to just take a scan to see after there is a problem. I'm concerned about the safety of scans and will limit what and how I approach these diagnostic tools and weigh the risks. One CT scan is equivalent to 200 chest X-rays of radiation and I have already had one of those. I've continued to do is to see the Naturopath, Dr. Bier in Portsmouth on occasion, and he is a great resource for research, so I pick his brain when I get my Vit C IV treatments every 3 weeks on the off weeks of the chemo treatment of Herceptin. I only have 6 more treatments of conventional treatment and I will be finished this fall. I've taken the initiative to once again see Dr. Jane Sullivan-Durand, an integrative MD who I've been seeing for several years to who is amazing and her knowledgeable about specific testing and special labs who conduct far more detailed tests is important for what I am seeking. We are running a heavy metal urine test, because I've read that most patients with C have heavy metal toxicity, as well as a stool test to check probiotic levels and yeast. I do usually take supplements every month for 3-5 days to prevent parasites in the gut and also try to take probiotics in the evening which I hope is helpful. Another important thing to know is if I have MTHFR which can also be common in C patients. If I have this issue, it is good to be aware because it would be important to increase my folic acid levels. I have also asked my primary doctor and friend, Nicole Antinarella to order another Vitamin D test to be sure my levels are increasing. My level was at 28 and now I am at 58 a month later which is much better. I would like to bet between 60-90 so I am heading in the right direction:) This phase of post treatment is nerve wracking but important because I'd like do what I can to remain C free. I'm working out at the gym almost every day and watching what I eat, avoiding sugars, starches and taking lots of supplements as I've previously shared for those interested. As you can imagine, it is a balance between doing what I can and remembering to live my life to the fullest in the present moment without fear. Keeping my spirits up is key and I believe that God gives us the ability to think and learn for a reason, and although I don't know what my future might be, every day is a gift, so I've decided to do a little more than just hope with a positive attitude. It's a challenging balance, yet I'll keep tweaking it to be sure I'm comfortable with no regrets. Sending everyone a big hug and thanking you for reading and keeping in touch:) |