There are usually good reasons for doing something the same way every single time. Protocols and procedures are extremely helpful, especially when someone's health is on the line. When I was practicing law, I had lots of policies and procedures, especially for new hires and the people at the front desk. When there are employees … Continue reading Form over Substance
Category: Medical Updates
Medical Marijuana
I am not a doctor. I am not a medical provider. None of my statements in this blog should be taken as anything other than my own conclusions and personal experiences. Anyone who knows me knows how much of a rule follower I am. I've been been this way since I was quite going and … Continue reading Medical Marijuana
ATM Mutation (Originally published in Wildfire Magazine)
If you don't already subscribe to Wildfire Magazine, go sign up now!! It's amazing and you will get content from a wide variety of talented men and women. A version of this post was originally published in 2018 in the Genetics edition of Wildfire. When I was first diagnosed with breast cancer, my breast surgeon … Continue reading ATM Mutation (Originally published in Wildfire Magazine)
Feeling Fragile
Most days, I have sufficient energy to keep up with the boys, to attend my doctor's appointments and to do the things that need to get done, to do the laundry and organize homework. Most days. I'm not at my former level of energy, but with judicious rest and a LOT of help, including the … Continue reading Feeling Fragile
Surgical Menopause
While I have no regrets that I gave the green light for my hysterectomy back on September 18, 2017, the ongoing effects of the removal of my ovaries have caused a great deal of consternation. I had some frame of reference for what menopause would look like, but no good resources on how surgical menopause … Continue reading Surgical Menopause
Dealing with Pain, Part II
As you probably guessed from my previous post, I have resisted including narcotics and other interventions that would be considered "Western" medicine in favor of including alternative/complimentary remedies. I don't do this lightly and, while I am not a doctor, I have become an expert on my own body and being in tune with what/how … Continue reading Dealing with Pain, Part II
Dealing with Pain, Part I
Dealing with pain is constant trial and error. Different pain, different body parts, and different biological mechanisms means that I am always experimenting with various remedies. These are my favorite, in no particular order ... Medical Marijuana. Before I was in pain, I didn't understand the big deal about medical marijuana. I'd never tried anything … Continue reading Dealing with Pain, Part I
Pain
This picture is theoretically what my bones look like now--the tumors have been killed off or are dying, but what is left are literally holes in what should be solid. I'm hopeful that the medication I take daily has helped, but breast cancer eats bone. It eats it. Before I found out that I have … Continue reading Pain
Treating Cognitive Issues
Once my neuro-psychological testing revealed a 20 point IQ drop, the next step was to discuss treatment. The areas identified as deficient have to do with recall, processing speed and executive functioning; exactly the areas I'd reported issues with. I was referred to a speech therapist. A speech therapist? I was surprised since my perception … Continue reading Treating Cognitive Issues
Neuro-Psychological Testing
2017 is a bit of a blur for me. There are some moments that stick out; however, not many. It was the most eventful year, medically, for me and the addition of chemo to all the surgeries and hospital stays and procedures, its no wonder that it feels hazy and not quite real. Since there … Continue reading Neuro-Psychological Testing
No Half Measures 