Don't Worry.... I've Got This!: December 2012

Saturday, December 29, 2012

Vegetarian challenge

Recently I have been reading a book called "The China Study." I know many of you have already read this book and have gone vegetarian. As I read it, I can understand why you did! So the Myler family is jumping on the bandwagon starting January 1st. I cannot promise that we will do it forever, but we have commited to do it for 30 days. So we are starting there. No meat and very little dairy for the month of January.

It is absolutely crazy to me the information that I have been given since my cancer diagnosis. I have seen dieticians who have told me more dairy, more dairy, it is a good way to get protein. But the research has proven that dairy and animal protein is the cause and contributor to a lot of diseases. In this book, they talk about literally being able to turn on and off cancer with your diet. Well, if you don't mind, I would really like to turn mine (and my sister's) OFF!!

So, I am putting the challenge out there for anyone who would like to participate with us. For those of you who are already vegetarian, thank you for your example, also feel free to send me some recipes, hints and tips.

Let's all eat lots and lots of plants in 2013!

Monday, December 17, 2012

Watch and wait........for now

So, here is a little update on what our treatment plan is.....

The oncologists want me to either do radiation or have a single mastectomy. I don't want to do radiation, as it would be right over my heart and I already am having heart issues. With irregular heart beats, fast pulse, etc. I am taking some medication, which does seem to be helping. But, now I am very protective of my heart and want it to get stronger, not weaker, by radiation.

We have decided to do another mammogram in 3 months (March) and see what is happening, if anything. I am continuing the Herceptin therapy, which is supposed to block those receptors and cells from reproducing. I am also going to begin Tamoxifen after the first of the year. This should shut down my ovaries, so that I no longer produce estrogen. Which sounds crazy right??! Well, my cancer LOVES estrogen. So, it makes sense to deprive it of its true love. I should expect some serious hot flashes. So if you see me after the first of the year and I am all flushed, you will know why! :) I know this medication has a lot of controversy over it, but I am going to give it a try and hope that my body will tolerate it well.

We feel good about waiting to do a mastectomy at the moment. Of course, it is always available for me if something does come up in one of the mammograms. I pray that this is the right decision and that this cancer thing was just a "catastrophic event", as my doctor put it.

Thank you all for your kind words and prayers, I KNOW that they have helped us get through this. We could not have done it without all of you. THANK YOU!

Have a very Merry Christmas!