January 20, 2009 - Don't Lean on Me

Don't lean on me, because my shoulder hurts.  OK.  I'm reaching for a good title.

I saw the orthopedic doc on Friday.  He gave me a cortisone shot in each shoulder and told me to come back in 3 weeks to get some physical therapy tips.   Since my rotator cuff has a near-full-thickness tear and it's not completely torn,  I think I might get through this without surgery.  I'm not supposed to lift anything in front of me or above my head.  Looks like I'm checking my bag for my Houston trip next week!  No carry-ons for me.

My hair is about an inch long on top.   Since I use so much gel, it looks really dark. :-)  I am feeling better these days.  Do you think God gave me the shoulder problems to forget about the chemo/radiation effects?  :-)  It's working!  Hopefully I'll be back to normal soon.  Looks like the numbness in my feet will be around for awhile, though.

Happy Tuesday!  

Hugs,

Sandy

January 16, 2009 - Shoulder Mystery Revealed

Maya did it.  She hurt me.  I know it seems strange blaming a character in an X-Box workout video, but who else can I blame?  Ummmm.... me?  OK.  I'll admit it.  It was ME.   I tried to get in shape, but those 3 pound weights were just way too heavy.....  whatever!

So I've got a nearly full thickness rotator cuff tear in my left shoulder.  My right shoulder (which hurts, but not as bad) has what appears to be an old injury (20 years of softball, perhaps?) and tendonitis and arthritis.  I never thought I'd be talking about arthritis at 44.  Ugh.  

I am very, very happy, because now I know what's wrong, and I know it was a good thing that I didn't try to push through the pain (too long).  I have an appointment today to see an orthopedic doc.  I hear I may be able to get this fixed without surgery.  Yay.  We'll see.

So the message for breast cancer survivors is .... start an exercise regimen VERY slowly, and listen to your body.  If something hurts, wait a couple of days to see if the pain subsides.  If it doesn't, get it checked.  If you can muster up the energy to stretch and walk through your treatments, I'd highly recommend it.

January 14, 2009 - A Fire Under My Butt

So tomorrow I go over the results of my MRI with my doc.  I cannot wait for that.  I want a solution for the pain.  Work hard. Rest. Do physical therapy.  Whatever.  Just give me a solution.

Yesterday was a significant day for me.  Remember when I said that my cancer diagnosis caused me to get serious about doing what I love?  Well..... the cancer diagnosis put a fire under my butt.  I actually got a business license for doing my photography. I now officially own Snow Productions!!!  I decided that I can build databases, web-sites, publish books, do photography, or do similar work under one business umbrella.  

I just want to be prepared should there ever be a day when my company says they no longer need my services.  I love my job, so I'm hoping they don't decide to let me go anytime soon!!!

More tomorrow after we review my MRI results with the doc.

January 7, 2009 - An Answer In Sight

My fever broke a few hours after I wrote my last blog.  Now, I am just dealing with the sore throat and cough that goes along with it all.  I saw Dr. VanderMolen on Monday.  He said my blood levels are good, and he ordered an MRI for my shoulder pain.  

My MRI is scheduled for Tuesday, 1/13, and then I'll have a follow-up with the doc on the 15th.  

This kind of reminds me of elderly people that have nothing to do all day, except complain about every part of their body that's falling apart.  

So I'll end this on a good note....

I dusted off my Franklin Planner, and I'm feeling productive again!  :-)

Hugs,

Sandy

January, 2, 2009 - Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!  I hope you all had a safe and happy New Year.  I've been fighting the flu since Tuesday, and it really stinks.  I've had a fever of up to 102, although Clayton was about to kick my butt when he realized I got into a hot bathtub with a fever of 101, which sent it to 102!!!  Hey, I'm delirious when I'm feverish.  I can't seem to get it below 99.4, so I don't know what's going on.  I haven't had the flu in so long that I can't remember how long the fever part of it lasts.  I've taken Tylenol, Theraflu, DayQuil, and NyQuil.  Not much is helping.  Hopefully today will be the day I am fever free!  At least I'm not quite as achy as I was.  I had never felt so sore in my life as I did on Wednesday.  This is no way to spend a vacation.  Ugh.

I have an announcement to make..... Da da da daaaaaaaaaaaa

I am officially a Mac girl!!!  I love it.  I bought a brand new 24" Dell monitor to go with my Mac G5  (hey - it's the box that makes it a Mac, not the monitor!), and I love it!   Thank you Sharon!!!  Clayton has been playing with the Mac for a couple of days, while I've been on the couch.  This is actually the first time I've touched the keyboard!

I'll see the doc on Monday.  Hopefully my fever will be gone by then!

Happy New Year again!  May yours be full of blessings.  

Hugs,

Sandy