Tired?

I have struggled with being tired for almost 3 years now.  The doctors can't seem to figure out what is the problem until now.  A doctor concluded that some of my daily meds are causing the problems.  He changed my allergy med and took me off another pill.  The pill wasn't making a difference.  After a few weeks, I have so much more energy.  It really worked!   I had asked several doctors about the problem, but they seemed to brush it aside. It was serious to me, but not to them.   I am so glad that I am getting some relief.  Don't give up asking questions of the doctors.  Make them take you seriously.  It will pay off.

Think Spring,

Keep Fighting

Cathy

I know I haven't been here in awhile.  My fault.  I have found an interesting site you might want to check out  http://www.breastcanceranswers.com/    As we start a new year, we need to be thankful for that and encourage one another.  It seems like once a week I hear of someone getting a cancer diagnosis.  Being postitive is one of the best medicines you can take.  It is hard to be postive in the midst of adveristy, prayer and the Lord can help you in that area.  Lean on the Lord, friends and family.  On another note, I am still battling fatique.  It gets frustrating when the doctors can't find a reason or just brush it off.  This is a time where I need to be postive.  I have been trying to figure out when and why I am tired.  The doctors only know what I tell them. So, I began a "diary" to show the doctor when the symptoms are better or worse.  Try it, it might help!

Keep fighting

Cathy

Pain longer than one year

Here is an interesting article about breast pain longer than one year after treatment. http://www.cancercompass.com/cancer-news/article/46211.htm
I found this very interesting since I still have pain 2 1/2 years after surgery.
Articles like this help me realize that I am not the only one.  It also makes me thankful.  Thankful that I am cancer free and able to live a "normal" life.  It made sense to me since I know nerves etc. must have been cut in the procedure. I also know that I have "cording"  in place.  Who knows, studies like this will help researches learn more.

Keep Fighting

Cathy

It's the holidays

Holidays are especially hard on families who have fought cancer.  Remember those special friends or families this Christmastime.  I am excited that I will be celebrating another Christmas, but some families will be missing that special loved one.  Send a card or make a phone call. These are both inexpensive ways to make a difference. Just let them know you care.  It will make a difference.  Have a great Christmas season and remember the reason for the season.

Keep Fighting

Cathy

Get some fresh air

My son and I continued a tradtion (started last year) to go hiking on Thanksgiving day.,  So, we went to a local state park and walked through the woods and snow.  I really would have been content to stay home, but he convinced me to go.  It was really rewarding.  The fresh air and exercise are always good. This reminds me of what the Dr. told me during chemo.  If I was feeling tired, try to go for a walk even if it is a short one.  I remember walking about three houses down the block and back.  That was a long walk for me during my treatment. The walk would make me feel better everytime. Maybe I felt exhausted, but glad I went out.  I am not a big exercise person.  I do try to get 10,000 steps in a day.  This is a challenge at times.  If you are feeling down or tired. Try to go for a short walk.

Keep Fighting

Cathy

Look to the Future

Sorry about the long time inbetween post here.  I have been busy with some other things.  It is good that I feel up to doing more.  A new blog that I write is an educational post.  www.cathyhouchin.com
Another great thing I was able to do was go to Nova Scotia to present professional development.!  I have always wanted to go there.  The scenery was beautiful.  As I went through customs and they looked at my passport picture, I had to tell them it was before cancer.  As you look back...time goes by fast.  It seemed very long when going through chemo, but after that very long year.....things get better.  Look to the future.  I think of the chemo pill I need to take for 5 years.  My son and I were talking about how it makes my joints ache  etc.   The Dr. is switching the pill to see if another will have different side effects.  So, I have been off of the orginal pill for ten days to get it out of my system  I am amazed at how the aches have dissappeared.  Today I started the new pill.  We were talking and I reminded him of how fast time goes by.  All the things that have happened in 5 years.  I told him I could endure aches for a few more years in order to rid cancer.  Time passes quickly unless you are looking at the clock.  So remember,  you can endure.   Look to the future.

Ok....I know it has been one month since I last posted.  You hear a lot about Breast
Cancer during October.  It can be too much for someone who is battling this disease.  It is important to raise awareness of this cancer, just be conscious of feeling of those going through breast cancer.
Pink items can get overwhelming.  Many times I will avoid pink items just because it brings back memories.  It is helpful to say "I am thinking of you,"  "I am praying for you", "how are you doing" or "is this anything I can do for you."A friend is the most important thing.   Cancer patients often feel alone.  I know many times they aren't, but they feel that way.  Reach out this month.  Let them know you care.   I took the photo below at the Vermont Teddy Bear Co. in Burlington Vermont.  This is their teddy bear hospital.

Keep Fighting

Cathy