Taking a Break

So, my last PET scan came back with "stable disease."  The doctor told us that there are no new tumors, and no growth in the existing handful that are left.  One of my ovaries lit up last time, and an ultrasound sound that it was abnormal, but this scan showed no activity there now, so I was thankful for that.  And since I'm stable, I did not have to have chemo last week.  (applause here)  I did start taking Phenoxybenzamine, which is an alpha blocker which helps stop the release of adrenalin.  Although my BP was normal, my resting heart rate has been pretty high (120+), so now I take this alpha blocker, and in a week or so, I'll start Atenolol, a beta blocker.  It's also used inhibit norepinephrine, a chemical that is produced by my tumors.  It also helps reduce anxiety.  So I'll do blood work and see my oncologist again in a week or so and we'll watch the lab results to see how long my chemo break is.

Unfortunately, my hair is continuing to fall out.  I don't have clumps or bald spots, but you can clearly see my scalp under my hair.  So I went wig shopping.  I found one that is close to my regular hair cut, but had to order one that is close to my hair color.  Hopefully my hair will start growing back soon.  I'll post pics when I can.

Kassy and I met my mom and 2 of my sisters and some family and friends in Burbank and went to a taping of the Ellen show.  It was fun.  We got a few seconds of TV time, and the Oceans book and movie tickets.  The day after us won flat screen TVs, and $2500 worth of mattress and bedding.  Oh well.

Thanks for reading.  God is Love.

p.s.  Stacey:  my original endocrinologist is Dr. William Young at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota.  I now have an oncologist at UC San Diego.  I am still in contact with Dr. Young, and I send him my scan reports and he follows my progress.  My local doctor has also contacted him regarding my care, and has done research to stay on top of what we should be doing.  I always check with Dr. Young before going forward with anything here.

p.p.s.  Jorie:  I am more than happy to share what has worked and not worked for me in the 5 years since I was diagnosed.  I love to be in contact with people going through what we do, since there aren't a lot of us!

For both of you ladies (or anyone else interested):  my email is pam.james@me.com.   Please fee free to contact me anytime.