Update

Diagnostic mammogram x2 showed no increase in calcification. Technician told me that 85% of them are benign. Would have been nice to hear that from oncologist 6m ago, but he doesn't care about my mental health, as I well know.

Hair grew back curly -- a new look for me. But I'm keeping it short, since I get SO many compliments on it. Who knew?

Felt a weird hitch in my left chest upon deep breaths, over a 24-hr period. No pain, just.... weird. I could actually hear a click when I breathed deeply. Urgent care doc on this Saturday night tells me this is typical of radiation patients. Calcified muscles in the chest wall rubbing together. Again, would have been nice to know this might happen, so I didn't have to feel like I was having a slow-motion heart attack. Forget about cancer *awareness,* people.... how about educating cancer patients, since their doctors don't?

Oh... and that dream of a trouble-free GI track post-app'y? Merely a dream.

More adventures in cooling

Thanks to this silly but inspiring article in the NYT, I'm off on another search for ways to beat hot flashes into submission. As with so many NYT articles online, the comments are more interesting and informative than the article itself.

And before you start thinking I'm being ridiculous, remember that I'm looking at 5 more years of chemical menopause, thanks to tamoxifen.

One reader suggested Polar-Products, which looks promising. Pretty sure I need a helmet liner for biking, a cool tie, and wrist wraps. If they work, I'll consider the vest. Bra inserts? I don't think so.

Just bad luck

OK then. Nobody thinks the app'y was anything but random, and nobody cares about the gallstones.  Kind of saw that coming.

Appendix no more

Had it out last week, thankfully before it ruptured. They also found gallstones, which my internet sleuthing tells me may be at least partially due to my hormone therapy.

While I'm not thrilled about the prospect of another operation, the idea of having a trouble-free GI track for the first time in my life is quite appealing.

Seeing GP today. Awaiting word from surgeon and oncologist.

Progress

Allrighty now! More meds = fewer hot flashes and less anxiety. (That would be Zoloft, for you fellow-sufferers out there.)

Turns out that caffeine and alcohol are quite reliable triggers of hot flashes. Just my luck.

Focus

Despite my best efforts to the contrary, I seem to be focusing on the 10% chance of recurrence rather than the 90% chance of survival. My subconscious is now turning every strange physical occurence, no matter how minor, into A Symptom Of Something Bigger... namely lung, liver or bone cancer.

Didn't think I'd need it, but I think some quality time with a support group is in order.

Not leaving the baby AND not living in fear of it.

p.s. Surgeon and MD do not think recent problem is related to lymphedema but recommended a visit w a specialist to learn more about it.

Choosing not to worry about it

Routine diagnostic mammogram today turned up calcification on the OTHER side. Was given the choice to have a biopsy, but also told it was probably DCIS and that waiting 6 months to size it again will not affect treatment options.

Trip to lymphedema clinic imminent, though surgeon says the problem may be temporary.