Move it or Lose it!

Life has been busy again! I have had so many appointments lately, I’m not sure where I left off on my updates! I had my chest CT scan, had my port flushed, and have had some tests for cardiology to see why my heart rate goes so high. I am kind of getting tired of going in for port flushes when I think I will have to do this every 6 weeks till my cancer comes back. And I’m not planning on it coming back for a long time, so I’m just starting to think that I might want to get my port taken out. But then there are reasons I think I should keep it in: I don’t mind my port; it’s been a good one, and maybe the next one won’t be as good; I don’t have to go back in for another one someday; and I feel like if I get it taken out, then the cancer will come back.   

I found out at a cardiology appointment that I have venous reflux in my legs. I looked it up when I got home and it can happen due to prolonged sitting/standing and DVT, among ageing ☹ and other factors. But I would bet anything that it was caused by my four years on treatment. The longer I was on treatment, the more fatigued and sedentary I became. Maybe another longterm side effect of chemo and immuno treatment. Again, I don’t want to die from issues from treatment. I’d rather die from the cancer. So, it is another wake up call to me to hydrate and to move it/use it or lose it. I have seen and learned how important it is to keep moving in our older years, and I have heard cancer patients say how important it is to at least walk every day, no matter how tired you are or how hard it is. I didn’t listen. But now I am going to. I’ve been good about walking on the treadmill every day, have started running a little each walk and am finally upping my speed and distance. It has been a hard journey back for me physically and mentally. I think that’s been the most frustrating thing about cancer for me. I let it take my fitness away. I care more about losing that than I did losing my breasts or my hair. I know how important good health is, and I want it back more than anything. I’m headed in the right direction now, and that feels good.

I still have the lump on the back of my head. I don’t think it is growing any, but I will mention it to my oncologist when I have that appt. the end of May. I’m thinking it’s nothing, but I just want to make sure I mention it in case it is anything. My old oncologist ordered a brain scan every year because breast cancer can metastasize to the brain, but I think the thing now is to wait and scan if you present with symptoms. And I’m not having any symptoms. So, we’ll see. I DO NOT like brain scans because you have to wear a mask over your face, and I feel locked in or trapped in the machine with it on, so if I ever have one again, I’m going to need something to calm me down! I can take a lot of things, but I do not like brain scans! So, I’m fine if I don’t have one, and it’ll be more information and reassurance if I do have one and it comes back clean.

So, next thing up is another port flush and then my oncology appointment the end of May. I’ll keep you posted, and until then, I’ll be busy moving … move it or lose it! Stay safe and healthy, everyone!