Oncologist Update

I had my 4 month check up at the oncologist on Wednesday and a check up with my endocrinologist as well.  My endocrinologist was happy with my progress and my weight loss.  She was going to take blood for some tests, but I told her that the oncologist will be taking some later.  She told me to have the other order piggy backed on to the oncologist’s testing.  Hooray…only have to have blood drawn once.  I don’t have to go back to see her for 6 months.

I saw the oncologist.  She was also happy with my progress.  My symptoms from the Tamoxifen have decreased.  It is nice not having a hot flash every day.  She wants me to see my GYN to have a ultrasound done on my uterus, etc, since I am on the Tamoxifen.  There is an increase risk of ovarian and uterine cancer on the drug.  I don’t have to go back for 6 months.

I went down to get my blood drawn.  I have bad problems with my veins to begin with.  I looked for my favorite phlebotomist, but she was not there.  It was already late in the day.  I didn’t think that there would be a problem since they are usually good there.  I was very wrong.  The lady stuck me once and that vein collapsed.  She started digging and blood started dripping out.  I asked her to stick me in another vein.  Same thing happens again…she says I am a bleeder.  No…bad phlebotomist.  She finally sticks me a third time to finish off the rest of the viles.  I am white as a ghost and ready to pass out.  They had to bring Rob in to get me.  At least the supervisor saw what happened and asked if I usually have problems with my veins.  I told her yes, but usually I don’t have a problem here.  She told to ask for her if the other good tech was not available.

I got a phone call on Thursday from the nurse at the oncologist.  They wanted me to get an ultrasound on my liver because I have elevated liver enzymes.  Great…another test.  She asked me about some meds I was on. . Hopefully, it is just because of some medication and not something more serious.  I went this morning to have the ultrasound done at NYU.  The tech told me that my doctor will get the results in a few days.  She didn’t tell me if the test went well or not.  Hopefully, the results will come back quickly.

Oncologist and Endocrinologist

I had my appointments with the oncologist and endocrinologist on Wednesday.  I took the day off of work because I had to go into Manhattan for the appointments.  At least I got to meet Rob for lunch.

The endocrinologist appointment was first.  She was glad to hear that I have lost some weight.  I now need to up my metformin from 1000mg to 2000 in the next month.  We will see how that goes.  I go back and see her in 3 months.

The oncology appointment went OK as well.  She checked me out.  We discuss my many side-effects from all my meds including Tamoxifen.  I am not happy with it, but I have no choice really.  The hot flashes aren't that bad, but if the do get bad the Dr. said that there are meds they can give me.  She also is concerned about my headaches in the morning and my blurry vision.  I think it is a combination of my metformin and the celexa (for my IBS) that I have just started taking.  But since I am a cancer patient she has to rule out anything else, so she wants me to have another MRI of my head/brain. (Insert joke here)  Last one I had was in June when I was having numbness in my left hand, but it was before these recent issues.  She said she will give me 2 weeks to see if they resolve before I have to get it.  She also discussed with me about a IV called Zometa, for calcium.  It is suppose lower reoccurrence of breast cancer by 30%, so we will probably do it next time we see her in 4 months.  The IV is every 6 months and will help with bone loss.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving.

Endocrinologist

I had an appointment with the endocrinologist last week again.  I have lost a few pounds, but I think I have lost more inches.  She changed me from the regular metformin to the long lasting.  We will see how that goes.  She also wanted me to repeat the 24 hour urine test, but I have time, since I am not going back to see her for 2 months.

For the first time since the surgery, I put on my medieval clothing for a fair at Sands Point.  The new breast definitely acts differently than the old one.  I think I will have to fix my clothing so it fits better.  I still have to get my finishing work done on my breast and belly, but the bodice definitely fit weird now.

Hair

So I exchanged business cards with someone yesterday and she looks at me and says, "No wonder you wear such a short haircut, your an artist." ????

I also started the metformin today.  We will see how that goes.

Endocrinologist

I saw the endocrinologist last week.  She said my blood work was not too abnormal, which did not indicate whether or not I had PCOS.  I do have other symptoms.  I did get my period for the first time on tamoxifen the week before so the blood test results could be a little off.  I hadn't had it since April, while on the chemo.  She gave me a Rx for metformin and told me to come back in a month.  She also wants me to start a diet like South Beach again.  I was successful on it before.  I figured I would start the meds tomorrow.  I have to try to figure out how to be on South Beach and not have artificial sweeteners.

Endocrinologist & Nerve Test

I saw the endocrinologist yesterday.  She discussed with me about going back on metformin to help regulate my hormones while on the tamoxifen.  She does want me to get a blood test and a 24 hour urinalysis to confirm my hormone levels and to make sure that I am not having any problem with my cortisol levels.  She doesn't think I do.  I go back and see her in 3 weeks.

Tomorrow, I get to have a nerve test done on my left arm/hand that is still numb.  Since the spinal tap came back clear, they still need to find out why I am having problems with it.