Well. I could tell you about a real plumbing issue we had a couple of weeks back, but who wants to hear about that (or relive it)?
Instead I will tell you about my internal plumbing... With chemo and radiation and reconstruction behind me, I have a new routine which includes visits to my oncologist every three months. In addition to blood draw, we discuss any new symptoms (which there haven't been so far) and she does a quick check of my lymph nodes and around my breasts (implants).
During my most recent visit my "plumbing" became the topic of next step discussion. She asked (as she always does) if my periods are still regular, and they are (booooo). This time she asked what I thought about early menopause. She explained that my case being high risk for recurrence is the only reason she would recommend forced menopause. If you remember my cancer was estrogen sensitive, meaning the estrogen my body produces feeds the cancer. Although I am on a medication which inhibits estrogen, it is not necessarily enough. So, early menopause means either an injection of lupron (over stimulates the ovaries to stop them from producing estrogen and stop periods), or surgically remove my ovaries and fallopian tube (I only have one tube - that's another story). We agreed to start with the shot until I spoke with Eddie, and to give me a glimpse of the associated symptoms. Again the idea is to stop the production of estrogen therefore decreasing the likelihood of recurrence.
I spoke with Eddie about it and we agreed that reduction of recurrence by forced menopause, even with its associated side effects is the way to go. So... my plumbing is being removed on October 16th. Following the removal of my plumbing I will be on a new medication which inhibits the fatty tissue from producing estrogen (this occurs in post menopausal women).
Am I nervous about the effects or surgery, etc? No. I'm relieved by the idea that this step will help prevent recurrence in my "high risk" case. I'm relieved that my doctors are advocating and thinking of my health in the preventative ways they are.
The procedure itself is 60 minutes, out patient, and laparoscopic. In theory I will have recovered well enough to go into the office Monday following. We shall see...
Please pray for a quick, "hang over" free recovery.
Instead I will tell you about my internal plumbing... With chemo and radiation and reconstruction behind me, I have a new routine which includes visits to my oncologist every three months. In addition to blood draw, we discuss any new symptoms (which there haven't been so far) and she does a quick check of my lymph nodes and around my breasts (implants).
During my most recent visit my "plumbing" became the topic of next step discussion. She asked (as she always does) if my periods are still regular, and they are (booooo). This time she asked what I thought about early menopause. She explained that my case being high risk for recurrence is the only reason she would recommend forced menopause. If you remember my cancer was estrogen sensitive, meaning the estrogen my body produces feeds the cancer. Although I am on a medication which inhibits estrogen, it is not necessarily enough. So, early menopause means either an injection of lupron (over stimulates the ovaries to stop them from producing estrogen and stop periods), or surgically remove my ovaries and fallopian tube (I only have one tube - that's another story). We agreed to start with the shot until I spoke with Eddie, and to give me a glimpse of the associated symptoms. Again the idea is to stop the production of estrogen therefore decreasing the likelihood of recurrence.
I spoke with Eddie about it and we agreed that reduction of recurrence by forced menopause, even with its associated side effects is the way to go. So... my plumbing is being removed on October 16th. Following the removal of my plumbing I will be on a new medication which inhibits the fatty tissue from producing estrogen (this occurs in post menopausal women).
Am I nervous about the effects or surgery, etc? No. I'm relieved by the idea that this step will help prevent recurrence in my "high risk" case. I'm relieved that my doctors are advocating and thinking of my health in the preventative ways they are.
The procedure itself is 60 minutes, out patient, and laparoscopic. In theory I will have recovered well enough to go into the office Monday following. We shall see...
Please pray for a quick, "hang over" free recovery.