Update and supplements

Today's Shout Outs:

Pam G, Joan B, Donna McE (3), Victoria N, Christi B, Barbara Diane, Jeanette Y

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Dear friends,

I thought I would update you on what is going on these days.  As you know, I've been chemo free since the end of June and have been thankful for this break, but unfortunately I started to feel stomach pains soon after I finished up the chemo yuckiness.  The stomach pains haven't subsided but I have been able to manage the pain with medication.   As time has passed, my apetite as well as my urge to eat has gotten less and less.  I'm still eating and everything is still processing as it should be, but I needed to curtail the amount I ate in order to make sure my stomach was taking it easy.  I don't feel hungry and to be honest it's gotten harder and harder to "read" my body signs.  I think it's called pain transference, but the ills in my stomach create a lot of back ache - go figure!!!

It's true, my body and I don't communicate very well anymore and I don't trust it to let me know what's going on.  I relish the times that I do feel good, but have gotten used to it not feeling well most of the time.  A cancer friend of mine and I have discussed this before and it's really a feeling of betrayal... why would one's own body not fight this disease that is growing and spreading?  It's one of those unexplainable oddities that seem to occur quite frequently these days.  I just found out that another crafty friend of mine has been diagnosed with breast cancer; this makes me inexplicably sad to hear.

What does this stomach pain mean?  I myself don't know, but it worries me of course.  I have another CT scan scheduled for tomorrow morning and I've come to the realization that right before every scan I get anxious. I want to be hopeful, but there is always the underlying reality that the scan could show things going in a different direction.  It's a 50/50 chance either way and this scan will be quite telling since I've been off of chemo this past month and a half.

I also wanted to share with you what became of my visit with the naturopath.  This particular one that I visited is indeed a certified physician and is a board certified Naturopath Oncologist.  I felt very comfortable with her and am hoping that her suggestions and prescriptions will help.

Now here is the problem and I need to call my prescription carrier to see if they will cover any of the supplements that I purchased.  They are not cheap by any stretch of the imagination.  We left the office with $96 with of remedies and there is one more waiting at my local pharmacy, a B6 compound that is going to be another $96.  Can you say WOW.  Up until this point I've never thought I had the need for any type of supplement other than a daily vitamin.

One thing I will share though is that she is a huge proponent of green tea.  It's apparently practically magical and will help your health overall.  I do not like plain green tea, but I do love the tea that is often served at sushi restaurants.  It is a blend of green tea and brown rice.  The flavor for me is much milder and more palatable.  We found a couple of different brands in our local Asian Market.  You can do a whole pot or just a cup's worth.  The tea leaves will settle to the bottom and they don't impede the drinking process.

Ok, that's it for now.  Thanks for visiting and have a wonderful Monday.

Until next time.

-Katie