I paused this morning before I swallowed my first dose and said to that dreaded little pill, “I hate you.” I just had to get that out of my system. I don’t really hate it. I do wish I didn’t have to take it, but I’m very appreciative of the potential effectiveness of it. Aromatase inhibitors stop the production on any residual estrogen in my body, at this point likely stored in my fat cells. See, even if you go through menopause, you still have estrogen stores in your body. Since my cancer is estrogen-receptor positive, taking an aromatase inhibitor is the best defense I have against another recurrence.
I’ll have another follow up appointment in three months and another PET scan in six months. In the meantime, I’m looking forward to life getting on to its new normal. Already, the fatigue from the IV chemo is abating, and I’ve got some fuzz growing back on my head.
 |
| New fuzz on my head...and a hat imprint on my forehead. |
I’m still coming to terms with the loss of my mother. We now are the owners of her car, a 2001 Buick LeSabre, definitely a “granny car,” and every time I pull in the driveway and see it there, I remember all her trips to our house to help with the boys when they were young. We got it to have it available to Allen when he’s home. He’s not particularly thrilled with the make and model, but to him, it’s a free car, at the ready for his use.
I’m also investigating ways to get out in the community in some form of service. I’ll keep you all posted as developments occur.
Thanks so much for the update. Taking pills long term does require some soul-searching ... but hopefully they'll do their job and keep you well. Let's hope you are one of the few according to the manufacturer's statistics who don't suffer the whole nine yards of side effects. In any case, you are brave, realistic and oh so human. Mourn healthily and let others take the strain on the days when it's harder for you to do so. You are much loved, now and always xxxx
ReplyDelete