November 27, 2021

Happy Saturday y’all and Good Morning – 

Today – let’s talk Hot Flashes, no? Well, yep – it’s time to share what others may not know and will get to enjoy if they are on this journey as I am so here goes.

We all know that at certain times in our ladies’ lives that they are usually enjoying their “personal summer for one.” (A saying a friend of mine shared with me a long time ago – which I still love today).  If you are lucky enough to not have cancer usually you can go to your lady doctor and they can prescribe a magic pill that takes it all, or almost all away.  This is what I was able to do PC, pre-cancer, however, post-cancer diagnosis is not an option.   Even though I was diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer, which as I explained before means that the doctors don’t know what feeds my cancer they still don’t want me taking any hormones because it may influence getting another positive cancer later (good times, right?).  My wonder pill was Progesterone – which happens to be one of the hormones that can either feed cancer or in my case not feed my cancer – but either way, it was removed from my daily regime where the hot flashes were slowly returning at the time I started my chemo.  

Here are the facts – Chemo puts you immediately into menopause.  I mean like “Do not pass Go and Do not get your $200 dollars, immediate.  It’s like someone turns off the light switch and then the fun begins – and by fun, I’m not talking REAL fun, like going for a motorcycle ride fun, I’m taking this room is so hot why does everyone have their clothes on still fun.  But the reality is that it’s not the room or the outside temperature like you think – it’s you.

There are moments when I am freezing.  Sitting on the couch in my jammies covered with a blanket and a soft cap on my bald head and at the same moment, seconds later, I am pulling off that soft hat, and blanket and pulling up my sleeves and jammies bottoms because I am on fire – literally.  On.  Fire.

At bedtime, I go to bed with two sets of jammies.  Depending on the moment I may be in long jammies with blankets on and in a matter of minutes, I will get up and change into my summer jammies (it is my own personal summer, right?).  I have become quite the contortionist while I sleep as well.  I find, that if one of these personal summers appears if I can stick a foot, leg, or half my body out from underneath the covers – it often helps to regulate the craziness and balance the internal temperatures of my body.

This may be a bit of TMI – but Mano has retreated to sleeping on his side of the bed with a small barrier between us because he says he can feel the heat radiating from my body and doesn’t understand why I haven’t suddenly burst into flames and to be honest with you – I don’t know how I’ve avoided that either.   

In closing, today’s post is more of a PSA announcement for anyone following my journey and God forbid finding yourself on this journey sometime in your life.  Just remember, it won’t matter how cold it is where you are, YOU will be at the beach most of the time.  Hopefully, you like the beach.  I for one would much rather be in Ireland in November enjoying a Guinness in the Pub by the fire.  Unfortunately, that was not on cancer’s holy hot flashes list of choices and if it was and I missed it – boy, am I mad.

Let me give you a quick update/next steps:

• 12/03 – Last AC Chemo treatment – (Wahoo)
• 12/06 – MD Anderson for my next set of Mammograms/Ultrasounds to see if the tumor is responding to treatment.  Prayers that my little Oscar is almost gone.  I’ve been mentally emptying his trashcan and I believe it’s working.
• 12/17 – First Taxol Chemo treatment – This is where the chemo moves from every 2 weeks to weekly treatments.  Please pray that I don’t suffer from neuropathy in my hands and feet as that is the most common side effect and potential long-term effect of Taxol.  

PRAISES this week:

• The supplements recommended by Dr. Luepnitz specifically one called Nature’s Lining by Lane Innovatives (link found here) have been a lifesaver.  Since starting taking this my mouth feels almost normal and the small irritated taste buds and potential mouth sores are almost all gone.  PRAISE!
• I’ve had a great week with my exercise and been able to walk most days 2 miles a day.  My nephew Tanner and I have a good pace and nice trail which we try to hit daily.  Today it’s raining, so you won’t see me out today but tomorrow is supposed to be beautiful so watch for me.  PRAISE!
• Christian and Nick arrived home safely from their biological mothers for their Thanksgiving visit – PRAISES for safe passages!
• I feel that God is with me as I continue towards a decision for surgery.  I am feeling a sense of peace that when the time comes I will KNOW what decision is right for me.  PRAISES and continued prayers for this.

Thank you all for being part of my village and walking the journey with me.  I truly appreciate you all.

Xo,

Tracy

Photos below for sharing:

• Andice General Store – best burger in my area – link found here.  Yesterday we took Tanner to Andice General Store to have a Bacon Cheeseburger.  I know I’m trying to eat better but sometimes the body just needs some comfort food.
• Thanksgiving at the Rents – although I wasn’t in Florida this year, I was able to FaceTime my family.