Chemo #3 Follow Up Appt

I am gaining strength back daily.   I was able to exercise yesterday, plan to tomorrow... I just might go for a walk today too.  I am thankful that I only have a few days where I am "too pooped to pop!"   This last weekend I was able to assist Preston in putting away hoses as well as cutting down some dead flowers and such.  It really feels good to be out in the fresh air & moving.

We also made a trip to the TriCities mall to shop for soft, comfortable, cotton, no underwire, with fasteners (not pullover) bra. (at the radiation dept's suggestion)  That was a frustrating & exhausting experience!  They are scarce, not very well made or fitting or they add something silly like an itchy trim!  I went to Sports Authority, thinking they would have a great selection of sport bras.  NOPE!  I will be doing my shopping online I guess.

We did enjoy the trip over there.. seeing fall colors and checking out what is going on around us.  


I met with Dr. Quackenbush yesterday, They drew blood as usual, they do lots of that.  At least the gal that does it is efficient and quite pleasant.   She has a funny little voice, but her heart is good and she is entertaining.  (She did suggest a bra she buys at K-mart  I will have to check it out.)

Blood Work 
My white blood cell count was 23.2 (normal 4.0-11.0)  Dr was practically giddy about how good that was and asked me what secret food I was eating.  I am clueless.  Lately I have only been eating what is easy to fix, sounds good, and  feels good going down.  That hasn't been particularly nutritious or magical.  Ramen Cup of Noodles (which I NEVER eat because it is too salty) had really hit "the spot", and cottage cheese with salt and pepper on it.   Spicy or flavorful food seem to enhance the chemo taste in my mouth.
Anyway back to white count and immune system.  He jokingly told me I could go to a TB ward and not get sick when I mentioned that Daniel had come home from Indianapolis with a cold.   So I guess I don't need to be overly worried about the flu.  I am washing my hands and being wise, but it appears my body is able to do  a great job of fighting off whatever comes my way.  I believe the "secret" ingredient is prayer.  I am incredibly thankful for each of you holding me up before our Lord Jesus.  I have had more blessings than I can count!  You are the biggest one!  Just one more Chemo treatment to go! :)

Physical Therapy
I have also started Physical Therapy per Dr. Q.'s instruction to combat fatigue.   The PT gals I am seeing are focused specifically on Breast Cancer & Lymphedema prevention.  I have had not lymphatic problems at all (arm swelling) but in her initial assessment she found scar tissue and swelling in the breast tissue related to biopsy & lumpectomy. She also found restricted range of motion, which is nothing new to me. But apparently if you do use your complete range of motion your are not activating the lymph system fulling which can cause problems.  She wants all that resolve before radiation starts because it can cause more scar tissue and swelling.   PT will also prevent future lymphedema that might come through radiation or unknown triggers. I am learning how to massage the lymph system.  I am sure this will be helpful information.  It is not what I thought I was getting.  I envisioned a full body, relaxing, deep tissue massage.   Deep tissue massage collapses the lymph system.  Lymph system massage is very gentle and on the surface.   The therapists will be seeing me twice a week for the next three weeks.  She has hinted that we will be massaging  breast scar tissue & lymph system and exercise training,  maybe some tai chi instruction.  I don't know what the plan is after radiation gets underway.     The research the Dr. is pushing is brand new and the PT Dept is as blow away by it as I am.  90 min. of exercise a day is.....overwhelming.  I was the first patient they saw with those orders from the doc.  They aren't quite sure what to do about it.... It is almost comical to be a part of this whole thing!      I can tell you this, my breast is more tender than it has been, but then all this massage would do that I think.

Radiation
I have an appt on Thursday for the radiation prep. 1. Visit with Dr. Nigrin  2. Radiation Simulation  including tattooing for accurate targeting 3. CT scan.  It is supposed to take all morning.   I will update you on it when it is done.