Doctor Update

Today was my 8 week visit with my doctor. I used to go every 3 weeks while on chemo, but after that was finished, I just go every now and then for a check-up. I continue to take my Herceptin every week with echocardiograms every 3 months. This will last until February. So far, all is going well. Aside from the aches and pains which can be handled somewhat with Aleve, and besides the numbness in my toes and stiffness in my fingers, I am good. :)

Today as the doctor listened to my heart, he asked if I worked out. Not sure why he was asking, I asked, "Why?" He said that my heart rate was good, but in the range that they usually saw in athletes or people who work out a lot. I had to laugh. Unless you count chasing around 4 kids, I have not exercised in over 10 years! :) The nurse just laughed and then the doctor left the room to go check my most recent echocardiogram. When he returned, he said all was well and it had even gone up a couple of points. I had to ask what that meant, and he just said that it meant my heart had improved from 3 months ago. Could it have been from my new found determination to use the treadmill? I did jog a mile every morning for 2 weeks straight and then caught a really bad cold and had to stop for the last 2 weeks since I could hardly breathe. I just started back up on Monday. My only explanation for the improved results was that my heart must have been in shock from the sudden exercise after all these years! :)

Needless to say, I am grateful for the good news and all the continued prayers. We will keep plugging away each week with my treatments until February, and then we will tackle the reconstructive surgery and all that goes along with that. Hopefully, I will be done with everything by next summer. It's something to look forward to.