next chapter of my life

Hi there friends of my blog
I am sorry that I have not been updating on a consistent basis. I know that you all are busy too. Once I got back from Harvard, it was Thanksgiving, then planning Mairin's sweet 16 and all of a sudden it is Nov. 3o!
Because this blog was started to keep friends and family updated on my attack on the cancer that had invaded my body...I feel like I should give you an update on the latest.
I am now taking Arimidex, daily for the next 5 years. This is a pill for estrogen positive cancers, it has shown much success in killing any leftover cells that are cruising around the body. The major consideration for side-effects is on the bone density..I take 1500 mg of calcium daily along with vitamins and fish oil. I am seeing my plastic surgeon to get my flat chest ready for the removal of the hard plastic shapers, and the insert of the natural placeholders.
The secondary side effect is the hot flashes in the middle of the night. Not bad enough to wake me up...but a run for the shower in the morning. Things like this might have made me crazy 6 months ago, but with all I've been through, it is really just a bump on the radar.
The future appointments for me will include a check up with my oncologist every 3 months, and my surgeon every 4 months, and my plastic surgeon frequently until I'm "reconstructed".
I may have to meet with a vascular surgeon to figure out the best course of treatment for my blood clot, that is stubbornly taking a long time to vanish.
The most anxiety producing doctor appointment is coming up this Monday. I will be meeting with my Genetic Dr. who will give me the results of my blood tests, to determine weather I carry the Bracca 1 or 2 gene. We really anticipate a negative test, based on my family history and a whole host of questions and answers that I had to provide. This is a plug for HMO's and Kaiser Permanente who will provide this test even if I didn't fall into the percentage of patients that might prove positive. Many PPO's will only provide this test if there are certain indicators in the family history. There is only one testing site in the US, and it is in Utah. Very expensive if your insurance doesn't cover it.
The downside is , I have to prepare myself for a positive result. If I am positive I will have to have immediate surgery to remove my ovaries. Ovarian cancer is highly probable with this diagnosis. Worse, I will have to have my daughter tested, and also tell my sisters, and even the boys in my family will have an increase in prostate cancers. This is so much for me to feel responsible for. We'll deal with it if it happens, but I really don't think we will be in this group.

On a good note, I went to work this week, and spent many hours on a business plan on how to attack this crazy real estate market. We also spent time on a marketing plan for listings we have to get them sold! It is amazing to me to see the agents that are still in the business are the ones that have been through the tough times of the 90's and also those agents that are savvy,,,and willing to work the hours...and hours that it will take to get clients out of this market downturn. Many agents are now working for Costco or seasonal work...or just evaporated...from the marketplace. I am committed to doing the time. It was great to put a plan into place ....I am the realtor for all of your needs in the year 2008!

I have a special thank you for my friends that provided me the services of Holly Maids. I can't even tell you how much it meant to me 1to come home to a spic and span home..!...THANK YOU!

I am humbled by your support.

Nancy