Update: May 2024

2024 05 23

(The photo is from 10 days ago, when Gail and I went up the mountain in the cable car.)

Hi everyone – an update after having my three-monthly CT scan yesterday, and receiving the results at consultations with both Danie and Garth today.

This checkup was not the best I’ve ever had (I think last November’s one wins that prize hands-down), but nor was it the worst – by a very long way. It signals the return to exactly what I have been dealing with for almost three years now – breast cancer, as a chronic condition that we are managing, and where weird stuff is going to pop up every now and then.

For anyone who doesn’t like to read medical details: I’m basically fine, and we’re tweaking my treatment in order to keep me fine.

For those who want details:

From the lymphoma side: all is completely and totally good. There is absolutely no sign of lymphoma whatsoever. Yay yay yay!

From the breast cancer side: the neverending story continues. The existing nodules in my lungs are reasonably stable, but there is also a new one towards the back of my left lung, and there’s a thin layer of fluid outside that lung, near that nodule. In addition, one of the existing spots on my bones (this one on my right sacrum) has slightly increased in size.

To me, these phenomena constitute “weird stuff”, especially as I feel so well. (Although I did have some twinges in the region of that fluid a while back, but thought I’d pulled a muscle, especially when the twinges disappeared shortly after a Body Stress Release treatment.)

The treatment I’ve agreed with Garth is that we’re changing my medication from Exemestane (Aromasin) to Tamoxifen. The “weird stuff” is actually an indication that Exemestane has run its course. Garth warned me, when I met him, that this would probably happen. It’s rare for people with this breast cancer to be able to use the same medication for more than 18 to 24 months. I’ve had mine for 25 months. Please hold thumbs that I can deal with the side effects (or that I don’t experience any) from Tamoxifen! I have been able to deal with Aromasin (unlike the one we tried before it).

If Tamoxifen gets the “weird stuff” to subside, we won’t need to do anything more, for now. If it doesn’t, I’ll need radiation in both those areas.

We’ll check this in three months’ time, but I also have strict instructions to request a check sooner if I feel the need – if I cough or have more twinges in those areas. (Isn’t it strange how I didn’t feel the need for this week’s checkup at all, and yet it proved so very necessary! Early detection is key. Please remember that.)

After the elation of the past few months, I feel a little pricked-balloonish, but I’m sure I’ll soon feel more balanced again. After all, I’m alive and I feel well! I’m also thrilled at how well it’s going with the new circle dancing sessions (supplementary to all the existing ones) I’ve started up recently. Thanks to everyone reading this who has joined those sessions – I love having you there!

Thank you, all of you, for your ongoing love and support and encouragement. So much love from me to you! 🌹❤️