12/2/13..... As I'm doing more research, I'm becoming very suspicious that stress and my thyroid medicine caused my breast cancer. The medication was recalled right about the time I started having pain, and Pfizer said they are discontinuing it completely, which is highly suspicious. Also, I'm finding that it is a known risk that long term use of thyroid replacement drugs cause breast cancer.
I was on Levoxyl (a generic of Synthroid) since 1998. When they recalled it this year, I had to switch to another generic, Levothyroxine. It's been just a small amount of medication, but I had no idea about the breast cancer risk until yesterday. They did a study just last year of people on Levoxyl. Of the 14,000+ people studied, 99 had reported breast cancer. But that's just what was reported to the FDA. It's believed there are many, many more cases that have not been reported (like mine). They SAID they recalled it because of a funky smell from the packaging, but who knows the real reason. It's odd they would discontinue completely, not just fix the problem.
And from what I understand, it's all thyroid replacements, not just this one, that can cause breast cancer. This one may have just had a bonus factor that sparked cancer growth. After reading all I have, I think it all comes down to Iodine when it comes to fixing the thyroid naturally. If I had known before, I would have tried to fix it myself years ago.
I think by getting my iodine, PH, enzymes and natural bacteria balanced, plus adding omega-3s, Vit D, Vit C, Chlorophyl and a bunch of other stuff....I'm going to be a lot healthier. Then I'll add more exercise to increase oxygen. And I will be working on ways to reduce stress.
Right now, cancer has set up residence in my body because of the environment. If I don't change the neighborhood completely, it will keep coming back.
12/1/13..... Two things:
1. I woke up this morning, looked at the calendar, and realized I have chemo this week. Yuck.
2. I truly believe that my cancer will be cured by getting my body's chemical makeup right. Unfortunately, all of what I research and read goes against the traditional chemo/radiation because they are poisoning my body and can cause future cancers. I even had to sign a paper saying I understand that these drugs may cause cancer. That's not an easy decision to make every time.
BUT...The plan is to do what the doctor says, then as soon as they are done, do everything I can the natural way.
11/30/13... Have the sweet kids again for the night. Unfortunately, I have caught their cold and I'm struggling to maintain energy levels. I don't know if this will affect the chemo schedule. I'm making chicken soup and drinking hot tea to help.
11/29/13... How super cute is this hat that my friend Erica made for me?! I love that it has my blonde streak in it too. I can even wear other hats with it! I love it, thank you!
11/27/13... Now THAT is what makes a happy Thanksgiving!!!.... an overnight with the little loves!
11/25/13... My dear friend of 25 years, Emily, flew down from PA to take care of me. And knitted a Wonder Woman hat for me too! What a gift, thank you!
11//21/13.... So, the status on the chemo is, it has yucky side effects. My hands and feet are tingling and numb, my nose keeps bleeding, I have new a mysterious rash on my neck, my tumors hurt (plus new pains), I feel like I've been swishing acid around in my mouth and I keep spitting blood, I'm nauseous, and anything I eat makes me sick. My white blood cell counts are at about 1.5 (which is extremely low). This makes me highly susceptible to catching something, so I should NOT have been at the DMV of all places. I have to call immediately if my temp goes over 100.5. BUT, as of right now, I'm okay and in a really good mood, just really worn out.
11/20/13... On the phone, my daughter says, "I wish you didn't have breast cancer so that I could see you." (my heart officially broke)
11/19/13... All is well for now.... Just got back from a visit to the Cardiologist, and he's happy with how I'm doing. The effects of chemo are sneaking in a little at a time. Three nosebleeds, lots of stomach problems, nausea and muscle pain so far. But the worst is supposed to happen in the next week. The good news is, I still have energy and strength.
11/15/13.... Finished chemo finally, and heading home with my princess attire...
Started at 10am....still going (at four hours now)...have at least an hour more of chemo to go, maybe more. Took a short nap, woke up to an old Indian woman staring at me
11/13/13... I start new chemo drugs FRIDAY (Taxotere/Perjeta), as well as beginning my one year of hormone therapy (Herceptin). The doctor tells me that the effects will most likely hit on days 7-10, with flu-like symptoms and all over body pain. Also, these drugs will cause neuropathy in my hands and feet and very low white blood cell counts. I will have four rounds of this one every three weeks.