My visit with Dr. Broad

Met with Dr. Broad today for a very thorough exam. Here is a synopsis (feel like I'm giving a weather report!):

WHITE BLOOD COUNT -- Found out that Nov.'s count was 3.3, and today it was 3.2. This is up from 2.1, 2.9 this fall. Still not where it should be (5), but she said she wasn't worried about it. I breathed a sigh of relief. (Normal range is 4-11). Don't really know why it's down, but she's OK with it, and I'm OK with that.

RED BLOOD COUNT (hemoglobin) -- an AMAZING 144 or 14.4 -- (Normal is 12-16)...She said this is why I've had so much energy, as so much iron in my blood. I believe my last test was 13.5. She said it was all the roast beef I must be eating. And that it takes 2-3 months for what you eat to show up in your test results. So, I've decided to continue on with the roast beef/red meat once a week (which is not me, however...I will sacrifice for the sake of my blood).

Bone densitometry test -- good
Mammogram done in October - good

She did a major physical exam -- heart, lungs, abdominal organs, Blood pressure -- excellent

Scar exam, lymph nodes, other breast, lymph nodes -- good (she told me to keep examining my scar tissue and get familiar with what it feels like so I can check for any changes; which I didn't know to do... Abdominal exam....,

Regarding numbness and pain in both hands (my hands go to sleep all the time and it's difficult to do anything with them). Did an exam of my hands, says she doesn't see signs of osteoarthritis in hands, must be carpal tunnel (I've been wearing a splint all fall). Gave me another prescription for splints on both arms. Sending me for neural pathway exam or something like that with a physiatrist doctor. Possible surgery if this test shows up I have carpal tunnel. The drug I'm on (Armidex) causes this AND all the pain I have in my body. I can live with the pain and have developing coping mechanisms, but having a hard time with my hands being numb and asleep all the time.

Gave me prescription for new 'chatty cathy arms, I call them for the carpal tunnel til I can meet with the specialist. She says she needs to get my hands fixed up for what I do (playing instruments; my livelihood)!

Told me to take ibuprofen in morning before I get up to help with pain and getting going in the morning. Need to get some by my bedside, I guess.

Talked about my plantars fascitis in my feet and what to do there (she is a runner)...told me to wear sneakers most of the time and I said "I'm too hot!" Talked about hot flashes and laughed about that. Doug was in the room with me.

Allergic reaction stuff -- said I developed an allergy to the chemicals in the processed cheese (what does that tell us about what is in processed food?). So no more cheez whiz or Kraft singles!

Asked me if I would participate in a survey on keeping active during chemo and how you 'fare' after chemo; said I would be an ideal candidate, as she knew how active I was during chemo.

Not seeing me until May 12th as I see Dr. Bryden on Feb 1st. We talked about possible mastectomy next summer as well... She gave me a very thorough exam, and I left her office on cloud nine, praising and thanking God! Thank you for your prayers!


Went to Mom's to tell her - "All is well," Mom -- we hugged each other. Mom has been through so much this year -- what with me, and Dad.... and now her sister who is in Saint John Hospital with esophageal cancer (please pray for her...)

I had an idea about how to celebrate: Mom is cooking BEEF for dinner tonight and Doug and I will go there tonight after I finish teaching, then watch Meryl Streep in "Julie and Julia." (About Julia Child, who I always liked growing up). I think that's why I like cooking is because of Julia Child and James Barber. Anyway, I'm excited and thankful, and looking forward to tonight's celebration with my parents.

Good news! Thank you, God!

More good news yesterday! Found out that Natalie and Aiden are coming home on January 12, and staying til Feb. 17th! I am blessed and SO excited. And this time, I will be well....All is well, and I'm rejoicing all the day long.

REJOICE WITH ME!

!DEB