Ups and Downs with this lousy cancer!

[PJBinMI]

I've not posted here in awhile, not exactly sure why, but I've bad days thrown in with good day! Cancer is pretty much stable. My balance and gait are still off and I've been using my walker more than I was six weeks ago. I don't get enough sleep, mostly 5 to 6 hours each night. My appetite isn't good and my digestion is wacky, with difficult bowel movements.

Late last week my right hand lost coordination and strength, started one morning and has not gotten better or worse! I got an appt with the hand surgeon who repaired carpel tunnel in that hand and arm. That's healed and I haven't a clue about what's going on.

But on the good side, I no longer have signs of osteo-necrosis of the jaw and the MD/DDS I saw "released " me from his care! And the orthopedic shoes the foot surgeon ordered for me have finally arrived at the place he referred me too, where they specialize in braces. I really like the techs I've seen there. It's a friendly place. My feet are a real mess! Spinal stenosis, predating cancer, has damaged the nerves in my arms & legs, hands and feet. My high arches have collapsed, I've developed claw toes, and I fractured 3 bones in my left ankle in a bad fall on the ice 11 years ago,. That's a long story. Anyway, I am looking forward to getting the braces and shoes and hope I don't have totally unrealistic expectations!

I've probably had more good days than bad, but I've had days when my usually happy self is no where to be seen!

But some of the worst news is that my younger step-daughter was just diagnosed with BC! She moved to an entirely different part of the country so we can't be with her right now. She's scared, as I'm sure you all understand, but is good at calming down and has good plans going forward. She's to see a surgeon in about ten days. All she really knows so far is that it's E + ductal cancer in one breast. She calls us almost every day and she and I have promised to be there for one another, tho at a distance! I sure wish I felt up to travel right now! I have gone to the website of the cancer center she's going to be going to, and it looks like a good one, wiith some connections to Sloan Kettering, in NYC and one of the best cancer centers in the country.

I gotta go....laundry is ready to go into the dryer...one of the few household chores I've been able to do lately, lol.

My thoughts and prayers are with you!

[NShaft]

So sorry to hear about your stepdaughter. We all remember what is was like in the beginning after diagnosis. You will be good support for her. It is always so great to hear from you as your long journey with MBC gives us all hope.

[PJBinMI in reply to NShaft]

Thank you! both for your understanding about my step-daughter, and your comment about my posts giving others hope! That means alot to me!

[kiwi67]

So sorry to hear about your step-daughter, and it is very difficult if there is distance between you, makes it more important to keep in touch as often as you can. I also hope the issues you've been having improve ASAP and give you a break. Your posts and comments to others I have always found helpful. Regards and prayers, Susan

[Godbeforme]

I remember you! Nice "seeing" you and sending love and hugs! God bless you and heal us all in Jesus name, amen! <3

[Tam-56]

So sorry to hear your step daughter's news. I remember the shock I felt for months, I felt I was the only one who had breast cancer. I know you will be a great comfort to her in her treatment. It sounds like she is located in an area where she will receive cutting edge treatment.

My balance and gate have been off since a bad fall in August and have neuropathy in both feet. I hope your therapy will bring you back your balance and strength. Healing thoughts to you and your daughter-in-law.