Fatty Liver?

Well the good thing is that I don't have liver cancer, but I have a Fatty Liver.  They are not sure what they are going to do about it now.  I have to repeat my blood test in a few weeks to see if it resolves or gets higher.

In the meantime, I called my Gastroenterologist to see what he has to say and I am going to do some more research into it.  I did see one thing that Tamoxifen can cause this, but I don't think the oncologist will take me off it yet.

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.

Appointments Next Week

I have 2 appointments next week with the endocrinologist and the oncologist.  I am also still deciding if I am getting the Zometa IV for Calcium.  It has both good and bad side effects.  I still have to do a little more research.

Happy 1 Year Cancer Free!

One year ago today I had my mastectomy.  So I am now 1 year cancer free.  Everything is healed but I still need my finishing work done.  I will probably do it sometime next year.  I still have some more weight to lose.  I have been losing about 1 pound a month.  I am down about 10 lbs now.  It's a good start.

Sean is home from daycare.  He has been throwing up.  MIL has been in the hospital for the last few days.  Rob is going to see her today.  Hopefully she will be out by Christmas.  I know it sucked last year when I was in the hospital for Christmas.  What a day already.

I hope everyone has a Happy Holiday and a Happy New Year!

Happy Thanksgiving

Thankful for my health and that the family is relatively healthy too.

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.

Mammo

I had my first mammogram today since the surgery.  They gave me all clear and normal.  Hooray.  Next appointment will be in 6 months.

On a side note, having a mastectomy on one side means only having one breast squashed instead of two.  Hooray for that.