Thursday, August 2, 2012

Quick update on my last few appointments. I had the pleasure of getting my port removed on July 23rd.  I have been looking forward to that day for a long time.  Everything went very well, until a few days ago, when I noticed infection settling in.  I did return to the surgeon's office yesterday and was put on antibiotic.  I hope it all clears up quickly.  I will return on August 6th to get my stitches removed.  I met with my oncologist on July 23rd as well.  We talked a bit about the preventative measures we will take now that I am cancer free.  I am to get either a mammogram or MRI scan every year.  I will also have to be on the drug Tamoxifen for the next 5 years.  This is an anti-hormone therapy that can help prevent the return of breast cancer.  My cancer was estrogen positive, meaning that it was hormone driven.  The Tamoxifen will help block the estrogen getting to my remaining breast.  I am not to get pregnant while on this drug.  Like most drugs, it is associated with certain side effects, such as hot flashes (which I have had all through chemo and despise them!) and in some cases, uterine cancer! I was a bit confused as to why I am being put on a drug to prevent my cancer from coming back, only to have a chance of it giving me a different one........ But the oncologist assured me that studies have shown that the number of women in which Tamoxifen prevented the breast cancer from coming back largely outweigh the amount of women who got uterine cancer.  It is a small percentage and he knows this drug will be beneficial to me. I am grateful to have had such amazing specialists to guide me through this journey.  They are so knowledgeable and have taken great care of me.  Again and again, thank you for your support and many prayers.  We have felt their power and strength and continue to feel it, as we look forward to moving on and remaining cancer free.





2 comments:

  1. YAY for the port coming out, but I'm sorry to hear about the infection! I sincerely hope that the antibiotic will take care of it and that it will heal fast. If it seems like it's just not getting better, have them test you for MRSA just in case - I wish my doctors would've tested me sooner as it is a type of infection that is resistant to antibiotics and it just didn't get better for months until they finally figured it out. Not to scare you, but just to give you a heads up in case it seems to be lasting longer than it should!

    At any rate, it's also so wonderful to hear that there is a prevention plan in place. And what a blessing you were able to have Jayden before all this happened! He's your little miracle baby!

    I hope that you are feeling stronger everyday! My prayers for you will continue! You're such a strength and inspiration to me!

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  2. Audree!! How wonderful that your treatments are over and that your port was removed. I hope that they can get rid of the infection so that you can continue to heal. I am so amazed at your outlook through all of this. I am so sorry that you have had to go through such a nightmare. You have been such an example and strength to our family. You and your family will always be in our thoughts and prayers, I hope that things will continue to improve so that you can fully enjoy your family. Lydia still talks about Hailey, I'm sad that they only had a short time together :). Take care!
    Lots of love,
    Bonnie

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