Thursday, September 24, 2009
blood work back
I received my results back from my blood work and everything was good. My vitamin D was at a good level so I will decrease the amount I am taking. I asked some questions that I have been wondering about. He explained why he checks my liver. This test will indicate any abnormalities that something might be wrong. The salt level checks for sodium and potassium. I did get my menstrual cycle and I had some bad cramping/pains which I usually don't get. He said that some women will still get their cycle and will not go into menopause. I can follow up with my OBGYN and she can go over perhaps testing for early menopause. I inquired about a bone density test and he wasn't concern at my stage but said this is something we would be discussing in my next visit in February. He mentioned that Tamoxifen has a small ingredient in it that helps protects my bones. When I need to start this test it will be performed every two years. In October I will be seeing my Cancer surgeon as well as my OBGYN.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Oncologist appointment
It has been awhile since I have updated my blog but I didn't need to see my doctors, which is a good thing!
On Monday, I had my first follow up appointment since I have been taking the Tamoxifen. The appointment went well but the wait was horrible (1hr.10min). I was concerned that I haven't been having any side effects since taking the medication. I am not complaining but I want to make sure the medication is working. At night from time to time, I do have night sweats but I am not sure if this reaction is from my medication or because its summer time. He mentioned the blood test is pretty accurate but he will have another blood test performed to verify there wasn't an error.
We also discussed to re-check my blood level for the following: vitamin D, if its back to the correct level I will keep taking it but reduce the milligrams, breast cancer markers to compare from the last blood test, complete blood work analysis, liver salt, and the test to verify the Tamoxifen is able to be absorbed into my blood stream.
He examined my lymph nodes, ears, and throat and everything was good. He mentioned as long as I am feeling good that I don't need to see every doctor each month. As long as I am seeing at least one of my doctor's Oncologist, Cancer Surgeon, or plastic Surgeon every 4 months then I am taken care of my body well.
I knew the Tamoxifen would put my body into a menopause stage but it never occurred to me that I will stop having my menstrual cycle. This hasn't occurred so I will have to wait and see in the next few months. He explained when my cycle does stop and if I start to have a lot of bleeding or spotting then I will need to see my OBGYN. She will perform a transvagial test to verify nothing is wrong. Its hard for women like me who hasn't naturally gone into menopause to tell the difference. At any time I have questions, he asked me to call him.
I will make an appointment to see my Cancer Surgeon to be examined since I haven't seen her in several months. I will also see my Plastic Surgeon in October to be examined for any scar tissue build up due to the radiation or surgery (at this time I don't think I have any, yea!) and hopefully I will be cleared for my final surgery in November.
I will update my blood test results as soon as I get them back.
Please check out my website for the American Cancer Society Breast Walk in October:
http://makingstrides.acsevents.org/site/TR/MakingStridesAgainstBreastCancer/MSABCFY10National?px=11611219&pg=personal&fr_id=19932
On Monday, I had my first follow up appointment since I have been taking the Tamoxifen. The appointment went well but the wait was horrible (1hr.10min). I was concerned that I haven't been having any side effects since taking the medication. I am not complaining but I want to make sure the medication is working. At night from time to time, I do have night sweats but I am not sure if this reaction is from my medication or because its summer time. He mentioned the blood test is pretty accurate but he will have another blood test performed to verify there wasn't an error.
We also discussed to re-check my blood level for the following: vitamin D, if its back to the correct level I will keep taking it but reduce the milligrams, breast cancer markers to compare from the last blood test, complete blood work analysis, liver salt, and the test to verify the Tamoxifen is able to be absorbed into my blood stream.
He examined my lymph nodes, ears, and throat and everything was good. He mentioned as long as I am feeling good that I don't need to see every doctor each month. As long as I am seeing at least one of my doctor's Oncologist, Cancer Surgeon, or plastic Surgeon every 4 months then I am taken care of my body well.
I knew the Tamoxifen would put my body into a menopause stage but it never occurred to me that I will stop having my menstrual cycle. This hasn't occurred so I will have to wait and see in the next few months. He explained when my cycle does stop and if I start to have a lot of bleeding or spotting then I will need to see my OBGYN. She will perform a transvagial test to verify nothing is wrong. Its hard for women like me who hasn't naturally gone into menopause to tell the difference. At any time I have questions, he asked me to call him.
I will make an appointment to see my Cancer Surgeon to be examined since I haven't seen her in several months. I will also see my Plastic Surgeon in October to be examined for any scar tissue build up due to the radiation or surgery (at this time I don't think I have any, yea!) and hopefully I will be cleared for my final surgery in November.
I will update my blood test results as soon as I get them back.
Please check out my website for the American Cancer Society Breast Walk in October:
http://makingstrides.acsevents.org/site/TR/MakingStridesAgainstBreastCancer/MSABCFY10National?px=11611219&pg=personal&fr_id=19932
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)