The Next Step & Short Lived Independence.....

There is a feeling of being "underwhelmed" even though my Oncologist has told me that currently I am in  Cancer Remission ! I suppose to some I should be jumping through hoops, be totally elated, be filled  a chorus of  Hallelujah  - but I'm not. In fact I feel almost indifferent because I may be out of the one frying pan - Cancer but I'm jumping into another area - Heart Disease and the ramifications of what we are left with when chemo has done its damage. Heart disease is still one of the leading causes of death among men and women in North America. Women who have a heart attack are at a higher risk of not surviving their first attack The symptoms for women with heart disease are different  from males as are the symptoms of an attack. . Andriamycin  even hormonal inhibitors aromatase inhibitors in particular, Chemo with Taxol and Herceptin are also responsible for Cardiovascular problems post treatment. Oddily enough I don't recall that discussion with my Dr. Yes I did have the Muga Scans done but according to what I was told that was to be certain there were no on going issues with my heart.  Mine was fine... Once you have completed treatment you realize you have stepped from one serious issue that may return to another that could have long term complications. They are now throwing more "Initials" at me,  it could be CHF - Congestive Heart Failure  CM - Cardiomyopathy , that's what my Oncologist suspects though I don't think he knows until I am evaluated by a Cardiologist.Another thing I found out if you have radiation treatment that more increases your chance of developing  one of these conditions. I am just waiting for my appointment with a specialist who does  a lot of his work with patients like me. However the Irony in this is this Dr is the same one who treated my late ex hubby when he was diagnosed with CM . His was  advanced all from a viral infection, he caught a cold...he was on a Heart Transplant list but  unfortunately  never made it that far. It does make me wonder though how many Dr.'s sit their patients down and really explain that what you may be taking  will potentially kill all of the cancer cells and the good ones too and that you could be risking serious damage to your heart. Of course it doesn't affect everyone perhaps because it is because statistics are low but more of an effort needs to be made to keep everyone well informed to avoid a potential problem  also to  let you be part of the decision making. Anyway I will see the specialist as soon as I can get in, listen carefully, take my Kayolic Garlic, Magnesium, C0Q10 and whatever it takes to make my ticker feel better. I am not going to allow something else to impede me at this point...


On another note, my son the one who declared his independence, has had enough of living on his own at 18. I actually communicated  with him more by text than when he was at home.  It's just another life experience he learned. It;s not that easy out there on your own when you are not prepared in things going sour. I do know he is feeling antsy being in a small city - well there are over 200,000 but I guess when you have been wandering around Vancouver. He had a light bulb moment, Accomodation and food are expensive......Haha ya think???!! Did I miss the extra dirty laundry, dishes left on my glass coffee tables, bottles not in the recycling box.....No I did not. The lady that cleans my apt. had commented it didn't appear anyone  was even in the house. Well she's in for a rude shock come the next time she is coming....It was so nice to see a bedroom floor.....But I am glad he's safe and home for the time being anyway........Job is on top of the To Do List!!