Updates and Scary Bits
Last week, it was all docs, all cancer, all the time. Those weeks are exhausting both physically and mentally. This update, as most of them are, is a mix of good and crap news, with a funny bit at the end.
Status of the Inframammary Fold
Unfortunately, after I wrote my last BCD entry, the burns flared back up again during the week off the steroid. Now that I'm ending a week "on," it's much calmer.
I had my what has now become a monthly follow-up with Dr. Singh last Monday. The most significant change is that it took a few days longer than usual to break out into an itchy, painful rash in the burn area. Also, it wasn't as bad as the previous month, so I'm grateful for that.
Dr. Singh said that it will be a few more months yet until this heals up, which means the week on/week off schedule will continue. I asked him what could be done about the flare ups during the week off. He prescribed Tacrolimus ointment. It's a different kind of drug than what I've used so far, an immunosuppressant. When the flare ups return, I'll give it a try. I return to see Dr. Singh toward the end of this month, hopefully, with good news.
Ooph! and Genes
The oophorectomy has now been scheduled for April 29th. I am very grateful for my dear friend Patty who volunteered right away to accompany me and take care of me after the surgery.
The surgery itself may be subject to change if the results of the genetic testing leans in certain directions. I was interviewed by one of the Cancer Institute's genetic counselors, Sandra, on March 31. Prior to the interview, I had answered a LOT of family medical history questions (thanks to Mom for help there) and provided my own details.
Based on all the information she was given, in addition to our interview, Sandra said they would not only cast a broad net of panel testing because I qualify, but also test for some pretty specific situations, such as the BRCA mutations, the CDKN2A gene, and a very scary Lynch Syndrome. While it's unlikely I'm positive for BRCA since no one in my family that I know of has breast cancer (and my beloved, late Aunt Elaine tested negative during her pancreatic cancer), the BRCA tests have become much more sensitive in the past few years. And, since I'm having my ovaries out, it's a bit of a non-issue if I am, especially since all my medical professionals will be on the lookout for breast cancer recurrence in the same and other breast.
The CDKN2A gene raises the lifetime risk of having pancreatic cancer and melanoma. I've already had a melanoma removed from my left hand (right in the crease where the thumb meets the palm) back in my early 20s, which checks one box. I know, I'm a bit glib about these things now, but when I was having the conversation with Sandra, my guess is that my blood pressure wasn't my usual 117 over 70.
Lynch Syndrome is particularly awful. According to Sandra, among other scary things, it raises the risk of colon cancer to 70-75%. Think colonoscopies annually rather than every 3 to 5. Here's the kicker, though, if I come up positive for Lynch Syndrome, I'd have a 50-60% chance of developing endometrial (think uterine) cancer. Sandra advised that I consider a hysterectomy rather than an oophorectomy, if Lynch Syndrome is positive.
That's a whole other kettle of fish than an oophorectomy. I was knocked off my pins for a bit when I heard that. But, I'm back to practicing what Rose calls "Just-in-Time Worrying." I will worry if there's something to worry about. Otherwise, it's wasted energy and undesirable stress.
All things considered, I'd rather know than not know.
Perio News
Back when Dr. Omene was talking about having me try Zometa (the osteoporosis drug that can cause necrosis of the jaw), I had made an appointment with my awesome periodontist Dr. Peter Cornick (if you ever need extensive dental/gum work, he's your guy). I hadn't seen him since 2017 since all has been well with me, periodontically speaking.
I spent two hours in his office Thursday, which cost me a mint. His assistant took a full set of X-rays, looking more extensively at my jaw than my dentist typically does. Then, Dr. Cornick spent a good 40 minutes with me talking through the health of my teeth and taking measurements (think poking into the gums with a tiny pin). Finally, I had a deep cleaning. Even though things were in good shape, Dr. Cornick wants me to come 2x annually in addition to my biannual trips to the dentist. He's seen cancer therapies cause all manner of dental/oral shenanigans.
I won't mind going to see Dr. Cornick because he's just the nicest person, and we talk skiing. However, it's going to add up very quickly because my dental insurance only covers 2 visits a year (and not all of that either). On the other hand, it's a lot less expensive than having dental work done (I met Dr. Cornick because I had to have a set of crowns replaced and an implant in the front of my mouth. It was a significant investment of money and time.)
The Funny Bit at the End (well, Patty and I think it's funny)
A number of years ago, I had a second surgery on my right foot. It didn't heal well, and subsequently predicts when it's going to rain (as does the migraine now taking up residence in the left side of my face as it's storming outside). Joining my menagerie of barometric predictors is Lefty. Yes, it's true. It took me a couple of weeks to figure it out because there has been premenstrual breast pain, intermittent surgical healing pain, and, of course, radiation pain.
But, after keeping an even more detailed health journal than usual (however can that be, I just don't know), I have discovered that I have a weather boob. A boobrometer. I get the burning, stabbing pains through Lefty when the barometric pressure changes significantly. It does suck when it's happening. I won't deny it. However, I won't NOT laugh about the reason.
Life is short, Friends. I've got to find the funny where I can. Best to laugh along with me. And, it's funny to say boobrometer.
Thanks, as ever for all your kindness, support, prayers, love, and friendship. I always appreciate your positive feedback. I haven't put the wish list up in a while, but a friend asked for it, so here it is: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1F3HNL09N3G7C. For those who wish to support other organizations instead, the organization that provides my free breast cancer support group (which has been so helpful) is Hope Connections: https://hopeconnectionsforcancer.org/.
Don't forget your screenings. Early detection is key.
No comments:
Post a Comment