Thyroidectomy - One Year Later

Health Watch..,

It has been one year (September 9, 2014)  since my thyroidectomy.   I'm happy to say that I am almost fully recovered from the surgery.  In July my tests and physical examination revealed that my hormone levels are where they should be, and I'm down to my 2012 weight.  Physically, I feel much better, but I do experience tenderness where the incision was made, hair loss, and feel tired at times.

You must know I had mixed feelings about posting a follow up report.  But after Rhonda's encouragement, I decided that it would be a good idea to let you know about my recovery process.  It might be helpful to someone else going through the same problem.

Getting the dosage right:

It took the doctors about six months to get the dosage right.  The therapy started with the lowest dosage of 25mcg gradually went up to 135mcg.  The entire process was trial and error.  Somewhere between the 4th and 5th month post surgery, my doctor was able to determine that 75mcg of Levothyroxine was the correct dosage for me.   About a month after each change new blood tests were ordered to check the hormone levels.  I continued to have severe headaches, poor concentration, fatigue, dry skin, and hair loss.

Once my hormonal levels normalized, the side affects subsided, but still are not completely gone. I was so glad when I learned that I was losing weight.  Now I'm hopeful that I can get back to my 2009 weight.  It is absolutely remarkable how much better I feel.  The bloating is almost completely gone.  I think I'm months away from a full recovery.  Every morning, I take a little pill at least an hour before eating anything. The lump in my throat is gone, and I am relieved.



The scar:

Vanity is one of the deadly sins.  Pre-surgery I thought about the surgical scarring and was pre- occupied with how my neck would look.  I had concluded that I'd have to cover it up.  Truthfully, I can't stand for anything to rest on it. Close necklines, scarves, and jewelry all irritate it.  So it is always exposed and I have long forgotten about hiding it.  Now, I see it as a battle scar, victory over a condition the used to interrupt  my sleep time and impeded my ability to breathe and swallow.  Vanity.. Poof be gone.  Now this brings me to my second point of vanity:  losing my hair. I'll just have to buy some!

Getting older doesn't mean you'll die tomorrow:

With every passing year, I notice changes in my body and how I respond to food and increased activities.  My allergies are more severe.  The arthritis pain is more noticeable.  Night driving is more challenging.  And the will to stay up all hours of the night sewing is gone.  These new indicators may not be associated with thyroid disease.  I'm just getting older.  And that's all right too.

What's most important is the ability to stay on top of things.   Eating healthy and exercising is key. I must have routine check-ups and report any abnormalities to the doctors.    I'm just entered into a new phase of life and am looking forward to the future.

Be dedicated to wellness:

It's your life, your body, your health.  If you feel something is wrong, get professional help to diagnose the problem.  My journey started with dreams of me drowning in Lake Michigan and of someone sitting on my chest choking me.  Then I started coughing and choking on food and water.

Thyroid disease is hard to diagnose.  Many of the symptoms are also symptoms of other health issues.  For three years, my primary doctor could not figure it out.  I was tested for all types of breathing disorders.  The blood test showed "in the range" of normal for everything.  He concluded that I was depressed and needed psychological therapy of some sort.  It wasn't until I got a new doctor (Dr. Clay), who almost immediately knew what was wrong after I explained the symptoms and the tests that I had already gone through.  She actually touched my neck and throat during the examination process.  I was immediately scheduled for ultra-sound and biopsy tests.  For two years I underwent these tests to monitor the growth of the goiter.  After it doubled in size, we decided to try the radiation treatment.  It stopped growing on one side, but continued to grow on the other.  I wasn't getting the relief I had hoped for.  Dr. Sehti sent me to Dr. Friedman at Northwestern Hospital.  Dr. Friedman recommended surgery as soon as possible. 

My journey to wellness took about six years!  That's a long time.  Three years to discover the issue, five minutes to diagnose, three years to monitor and assess.  Finally the removal of the goiter.  It is so important to stay on top of your health issues.  Paying attention to your body is not a crime.  It may help save your life.  Who knows your health better than you. 

This concludes my update on my health watch.  I hope everyone is happy and well.  And if there are any questions about my experience, do not hesitate to ask.  You may post a comment or send a personal email.

Thank you and be well,
Cennetta

Happy New Year: Reflections

I can't believe that we are already fifteen days into the new year.  My life has been a rollercoaster from September to the end of December.  Taking a few moments to think about it all was quite overwhelming.  But one of my greatest takeaways is that I am tremendously blessed.  From surgery to recovery and to retirement.   I'm on the path to new beginnings.


So many possibilities.  At my exit interview with the VP for IT, I was asked if I would come back to work on the training project.  Of course, I said yes.  As I was saying it, I was thinking about all the other things I'd like to be doing.  All the things that I promised myself that I would do.  It's funny how when the opportunity arrives for you to do a new thing, you can't seem to get started with the plan. 


My plan for retirement was to sew more, teach sewing, attend more workshops, and explore the possibilities of creating my own line of accessories.  I also considered taking on a few more clients.  That was my sewing plan for retirement.  I still want to pursue that plan. 


But I feel like a fish out of water without my 9 to 5.  And that's crazy!  This is the time I've been waiting for and I can't seem to put things into motion.  Without my university issued laptop, blogging is almost nonexistent.  The portable convenience of the laptop has me spoiled.  The desktop is inconveniently located in DD's bedroom.  I need to purchase a laptop.



Missed Opportunities:


Today, I'm trying to sort out the sewing related posts that never made it to my blog.  At this point some I won't publish, but there are a few that I think are worthwhile and I will try to get them done. This has not been the best year of sewing for me.  Many projects are half done or barely started.  The good thing is many were started at the end of summer and most are fall/winter garments.



What's Next on my blog:


I will review of the Susan Khalje and Rhonda Buss workshop.  Then expect some projects and some fashion inspiration.  I plan to continue the Notes on a Pattern series.



Blog Update:


The ole blog needs a face lift.  One of the things I'd like to do is to reorganized the content on the blog for easier navigation.  This is something that I've wanted to do for awhile.  Now I have some time to do it.


So that's it for now. 


Happy Sewing!
C

Mixed Greens and Avocado Salad - Healthy Alternative to Fast Food During the Holiday Shopping Season

  
Black Friday officially starts of the holiday shopping season.  Many of us will spend our evenings and weekend's shopping for gifts and preparing for and going to holiday parties.  The hustle and bustle limits the amount of time we have to prepare home cooked meals.

A health, quick alternative to fast food is a great salad.  One of my favorites is Mixed Greens and Avocado.  It so simple to make and taste great.

Ingredients are:

Baby Kale and Spinach
Avocado
Tomato
Cucumber
Marzetti Honey French Dressing
Roasted Chicken Breast (optional)

Without Dressing

Enjoy!
C

Thank you!

Thank you everyone for your prayers and sharing your life experiences. I enjoyed reading your comments and will post replies soon. Thank you again, Cennetta

The Mane Event - What's Happening to My Hair?

Are you obsessed with your Hair?  Do you frequently go to the Hair Salon?  Do you ever leave home without grooming it?  In recent years, have you noticed changes in the texture and density of it?  Is your confident level dependent on well your hair is groomed?  Do you where hair extensions to add volume or length?  Are you devastated by hair loss?

In recent years, I've had many thoughts about the overall health of my hair.  There have been moments when I was in tears because of the increased loss of hair.   Yeah, it all sounds superficial.  But women are losing their hair at a significant rate these days.  Some of it is due to medicine (high-blood pressure) or other health condition (thyroid disease or cancer).  With the huge accessibility to hair extension and countless hair professionals who add them, some women have turned to wearing hair extensions to address hair loss and to get the desired hair style.  This practice has further increased the instances of hair loss in women.

Okay.  Let's rewind..,  Let's go back to a time when hair loss was not in my thought process.  That was when I had big hair.  Back in the day when I religiously went to the hair salon every two weeks without fail.  Needless to say, I took good care of it and spend a lot of money doing it.   I never used extensions and was pleased with the density and length of it.

Then something happened.  At age 38 I started noticing a difference in the texture and density of my hair.  Occasionally I told my stylist that, "I think my hair is falling out."  Not to say she was the cause, but to acknowledge that there were changes happening to my hair and maybe some changes in the care of it may be necessary.  Well, I continue to tell her, but my persistence was not received as a proactive cry for help, but a negative declaration of her professional training and skills.  So, by the time  I was 47 and on a regiment of high-blood pressure medicine, it was noticeably thinning at the top.  To the point were if I made a part in my hair is was wider than the parts made in other areas of my hair.  This was devastating for me.  And I became more vocal about it and wanted to explore alternative hair care practices.  Needless to say, this was not well received by my stylist.  So in the end, I decided to take the care of my hair into my own hands.    The biggest change for me was to put oil and more moisture back into my hair care regiment.  No spritz or other drying agents with minimum use of heat application and reduced timing on the hair relaxer applications. This helped a little, but the bigger problems were related to my medicine, thyroid disease, and becoming a older women.

About two years ago, I came to turns with the fact that I losing my hair and it will probably continue regardless of the added oils and moisturizers.  They may slow the lose down, but inevitably I will continue to lose it.  So, with that acceptance, I'm looking at alternative ways to "keep up a good appearance about the head".  Of course, I will "wear" my own hair for as long as it looks okay.  But the the time will come when it will not.  I'm really afraid of hair extensions. So I'm left with hair pieces and wigs.

Oh, forgot to I like the current length of my hair, but if I start to look like this, I will definitely need to cut it off.

Nine Reasons You're Losing Your Hair 

Thinning Hair:  Causes and Solutions

So, what are your thoughts on hair loss and treatment?  I'm sure there are some ladies/women out there who have similar stories and may be have some suggestions on how to handle hair loss condition.

I leave you with a song my India Arie, Titled: "I Am Not My Hair".

TGIF! Update.., Health Watch

Good morning dear readers,

I hope all is well in your world.  Today, I decided to write a short post to give you an update on what's happening in mine.

Early last month, I had a thyroidectomy due to the continued growth of a thyroid goiter.  Thank God no cancer.  Before the surgery, I experienced breathing difficulty and had trouble with getting a good night rest.  Other symptoms included fatigue, hair loss, and weight gain.

Now I am working with doctors to determine the best hormone replacement therapy.  This can be tricky because no therapy works for all people.  The doctor prescribed the lowest dosage and conducts periodic assessments. Already my therapy has been doubled.  The blood work revealed low hormones and I am/was experiencing severe headaches, joint pain, inability to concentrate, dry skin,  and continued hair loss (Yikes! More on that in a separate post.)

Usually, I shy away from talking too much about super serious personal life events.  But I felt it was important to talk a little bit about my recent surgery.  Partly because you may notice a small scar at the base of my neck in future photos. And as the doctor searches for the right therapy, my appear may continue to change.

The advancements in medicine are remarkable.  I must say that the procedure was not as bad as I thought it would be.  Dr. Michael Friedman is one of the top ENT's in the country performing over 4000 thyroid surgeries.  He took special care with making the incision in the crease of my neck.  I only had four stitches. Part of the incision appeared to have been "glued" together with some type of adhesive.  Now, the challenge is to find the correct hormone replacement therapy for me.

A good thing..,

I was able to do a little sewing.  And I do mean a little.  The over shadowing post-op symptoms only allowed me to sew for short periods of time; one or two hours on days I felt strong enough to do so.  Reviews are coming.  The garments that I made are with Mood Fabric.  So I'll post on the Mood Sewing Network first.  Then the full reviews and photos will be posted on my blog.

That's all for now.  Thank you and have a fantastic weekend!
Cennetta

My How Time Flies

Oh My!  It's been one solid month since my last post.  I need to get crackin'.  Although not much sewing or blog reading going on, life events have almost completely taken over my free time.  I have a few things to review, but can't get good pictures.  I've decided to go ahead and post them to get rid of the back log.

My mom had knee replacement surgery and I'm spending most of my evenings with her.  

May 5th is around the corner.  Haute Couture Club Fashion Show activities are stepping up a bit.  I can't believe it's almost here.  Only a month and half away. 

Work and school.  It is what it is.  

I need a vacation. LOL

Happy Sewing!

C

The Breathing Dilemma - Thyroid

About 27 million people have some kind of thyroid disease. And over half are undiagnosed. I was recently diagnosed with a form of hypothyroid disease called a goiter. It wasn't until I changed doctors that I received the proper diagnosis. Why am I blogging about thyroid disease? Because it may help someone avoid the trouble and frustrating misdiagnoses that I encountered over the past three years.

One thing I pride myself in is keeping a watch on my health. My stance is to have routine check-ups and report anything unusual to my doctor. My "painful" journey started shortly after I was diagnosed with hypertension, four years ago. Initially, I struggled with the fact that I would need to take medication on a daily basis to help control it. The side effects were wearing me out. Needless to say, my young doctor struggled with finding a drug that would work for me.

During the course of finding a medicine that would regulate my blood pressure, I started having breathing issues while sleeping. It was an effort to swallow at times. My throat felt like there was some type of blockage at the base of my neck. The doctor ordered breathing and sleep apnea tests. Both rendered negative results.

It was becoming increasingly more difficult to sleep. I would have dreams of drowning or someone choking me. I awoke from the nightmares coughing sometimes with a rapid heartbeat. The coughing fits were so intense that it would wake my daughter- and we all know how hard it is to disturb a teen from sleeping. There were a variety of other symptoms: thinning hair, fatigue, weight fluctuation, dry eyes, and more. All of which I thought were side effects of the medication or the Big "M". Throughout the process of trying to diagnose the problem, my doctor insisted that I was having panic attacks and needed to see a therapist. I insisted that there was something physically wrong. Of course, the two differences of opinion hinder progress to resolve the real problem. I tried another doctor. She advised me to continue with Dr. D****. I tried to work with him again. So for about a year and half, I loathed going to the doctor and my blood pressure was not consistent. I wasn't sleeping well and I was nervous about how the many different drugs were prescribed.

One of the ten medications prescribed to me was nifedipine (calcium blocker). It seemed to control my blood pressure the best. August 2009, he switched the medication again. This stabilized my blood pressure, but the coughing and breathing issues were getting worse. By this time I was practically sleeping in a seating position. Finally, in February I noticed my throat enlarged. I asked my DD to take a look; she agreed. Then she and I discussed thyroid. At my next doctor visit, I told the doctor what I thought about my condition. He ordered a thyroid blood test; he also announced his leaving the HMO (I was glad).

My new doctor (Dr. J. Clay) is a dream come true. I saw her two weeks after my last appointment with Dr. D****. We talked about medication and thyroid. She said that blood tests are not conclusive and immediately stood up and walk towards me to examine my neck and throat area. My eyes filled with water. I thought maybe she would be able to help me. There was hope. Thank you, God. I had been praying for some understanding, some guidance, some help. After the examination she replied, "your thyroid is enlarged, the left side is larger than the right. I’m ordering an ultrasound, referring you to the endocrinologist, and making some adjustments in your medication. Dr. D**** had prescribed a dosage of nifedipine that was twice the amount needed. She reviewed my prescription history and decided to change the blood pressure med to Benicar 20mg. This was my turning point. Since that appointment, I've had a CAT scan and biopsy. The final diagnose is a benign goiter, predominantly on the left side of my thyroid. Relief...

Everyone, please by no means allow anyone to control what you think and feel about your body. Research and ask for a second opinion. It's worth it.

My friends and I tease about having a doctor, lawyer, dentist, electrician, etc. in the family, in hopes of securing help in those critical areas of life where advice is of upmost importance. Most people keep personal troubles and health issues a secret until it's too late. It is so important to share life changing issues as it may help someone overcome or give hope that there is an answer or at least some form of understanding.

Here is a helpful link to answer questions about thyroid disease:
Thyroid 101 Basics
There are several quizzes that will help you understand the disease and help with finding an appropriate doctor.

Here's to good health!
C

Playing Catch Up Again!

I'm always playing catch up with blogging. There are not enough hours in the day to get it all done. Usually, early in the morning my thoughts are everywhere: God, work, sewing, family, you name it. Often I start my day thinking about all the wonderful things I would like to do. Some days I feel pretty good about what I've accomplished; and others I miss the mark.


So this afternoon I decided to give some highlights on the "happenings" in my world. Some I'll do a complete post later.

• For starters, I'd like to thank all who visit and comment of my blog. Your thoughts and compliments are much appreciated. This year I've completed a few clients projects and thus far Min. Ross's suits are the favorite. As for me: the navy dress with the star burst is my personal favorite so far. Hmmm..., I haven't made very much for myself this year. ..., Got to do something about that. Lol


• On the entertainment tip, Ms. Jill Scott was in concert at the United Center on May 26th. She was as fabulous as the last time I saw her. She and Maxwell shared the stage. His performance was good. But Ms. Jill was exceptional. Full review in a separate post.


• The memorial day family celebration was awesome. Had a great time with the family. We are all looking forward to the next "big" gathering. Love my Peps.


• Are you having sleepless nights? Are you suddenly awaken by a rapid heartbeat? Trouble catching your breathe? Sudden weight gain or loss? Or loosing your hair? These symptoms may be common to many ailments. But collectively it may be your thyroid or a goiter. Detailed in future post.


• Just in from a two-day trip-Urbana campus. We demo'd the application for the Vice Chancellors. They were pleased with the presentation and the product information shared at the meeting. I'm glad it's over. Now, we moving onto phase II of the process.


• The thin economy has come to my work place. The university has a huge deficit. Positions are being eliminated, staff is furloughing, and the fringe benefit package is being revamped. All in an effort to offset the deficit. (full post later.)


• Finally, the number reason why I blog - sewing. There are several projects in the queue. I'm still working on the Simplicity pants and top (putty fabric). Can't seem to finish it. I don't like the way the top and pants fit. I've made these pants before. I guess the ole body has changed since the last time I made them. Tee Hee. The color isn't the best for my skin tone either. Oh, well...., sigh..., sigh..., But I managed to finish: M5884 top in white (review coming soon), curtains for the bathroom (no pattern used). and two skirts for clients (more later). And more client projects on the way!

Stay Tuned! Details and photos coming soon.

C

Missing My Sister

Today is my sister's 41 birthday. Kim(berly) is next to the youngest of my sisters. She passed December 19, 1997, suffering from two aneurisms of the brain. Kim was diagnosed with high blood pressure while carrying her son. Every year at this next my sisters and I have this overwhelming feeling of sadness. We miss her and still wrestle with the fact that she is gone from us. The fact that Kimberly was only 30 years old is hard accept.

Death is so mysterious and final. At the time of Kim's death, everyone begin to think and act on the fact that life is short. And that we should approach it realizing that it is the most precious gift from God. Because no one really knows when it's their last day or hour. Over the years, we've learned to share and care for one another on a much deeper level. We spend a lot more time together and our bond has grown stronger. We do have our disagreements, but we always come back to the middle embracing the fact that we love each other and that nothing can separate the ties that bind.

High Blood Pressure is noted as the silent killer. Kim complained of headaches all the time. Often she appeared to have little to no energy. I wondered why she was always so moping and concluded that she was a little on the lazy side. Now that I have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, I understand the affects of the medication used to treat it. I've been prescribed every family of HBP medications from beta blockers to calcium blockers. The doctors had a difficult time finding one that would regulate my BP. The beta blockers are the worst. What I've learned is these medication can greatly impact your bodily functions. It can take a while before the doctors can find the right med for you. Finally, exercise and ample rest can reduce stress and provide some relief of HBP.

It is extremely important to take your medications as this is what my sister failed to do. The day she was hospitalized her BP was 260 over 149; she had not taken her meds for a few days. Kim worked for Rush Presbyterian Hospital and was there when she collapsed. She lived a week after that. Each of us can remember it like it was yesterday. The morning of December 12th I had taken my final exam in calculus; went to the hairdresser; picked up my DD; then went home. For the next six days we spent most of the time at the hospital hoping and praying. Later, the doctor told us their was no brain activity and that we needed to disconnect the respirator or breathing device. Unbelievable ..., Everyone was in a fog.



My nephew is now 17 and lives with his father, step-mother, and sisters. He looks like his dad, mostly. But some of his mannerisms are like my sister. When he sees us, he gives the longest, deepest hugs. I often wondered what he was thinking but dare not ask to minimize emotions. He will soon be off to college embarking on a whole other life. ..,

I'm just rambling and missing my sister, Kim...,
Peace

Health Watch - Protecting Your Lungs

Do you sew once a week? Do you sew every day? Do you spend endless hours in your sewing nook or studio? Are you constantly cutting fabric? Is your sewing area well ventilated? Or is the area closed in with little to no fresh air circulating? If you answered yes to at least four of these questions you may need to purchase an air purifier.

Over the years there have been numerous studies conducted on the effect of over exposure to textile fibers. Many factory workers developed byssinosis, "chronic lung disease." Recently, I read a post on..., I think Donna of SewandSo recommended the purchase of an air purifier for the sewing room. Last month I purchase a Holmes air purifier from Walmart ($40.00)to help eliminate dust from my sewing area. Holmes has a complete line of air purifiers to accommodate any size room. I think it's worth the investment.

Just thought I would share this with fellow sewing bloggers.

Happy Sewing!

Thank you!

Thank you for your prayers. Your support is greatly appreciated. I believe God tests us everyday. Some tests are huge, while some we don't recognize. One good thing about tests is that what doesn't kill us has the potential to make us strong. Some might say that these kinds of matters are too personal to discuss. That may be the right approach for some, but I think differently. We all at one time or another will go through a stressful or life threatening situation that causes us to buckle at the knees. This morning as I drove to work I thought about the Take Your Love One to the Doctor campaign sponsored by the Tom Joyner Morning Show. The whole idea behind this is to encourage people to be more conciousious about health care by routinely going to the doctor and to increase awareness about preventive measures that improve the quality of life. My brother in law came home very ill on Thursday evening, but would not agree to go to the doctor until Saturday. Since then, we have learned that he had suffered a stroke resulting in some brain damage. Good news: he did not suffer any known physical paraylses. Bad news: he has high blood pressure, some memory loss, and a blocked vessel/artery in the brain. There are more tests to come.

I would like to encourage you, men in particular, to take time out to see the doctor. It could make a BIG difference in the quality of your life. It could increase your options on how to treat or cure the problem.


Now on a lighter note: while house and baby sitting I got to know my sister's latest family addition a little better.

This is Hudson. He loves everyone!

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. I know that this post comes very late in the month, but I wanted to make some kind of personal observation. Breast Cancer is the most common cancer in women and the second leading cause of death in women. It touches everyone’s lives in one way or another and I wanted to share how it has touched our (my family) lives.



This is Eloise Amy Orr. She is 26 years old and was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2002. At that time, Eloise (Weeze) was a junior at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Since that time Weeze has undergone multiple surgeries and procedures to fight the cancer that invaded her body. Right now, she is cancer free and is planning to start graduate school at the Chicago satellite of Northern Illinois University.

Note: This post is not intended to offend or gross anyone out, but it is to celebrate Weeze’s strength, wisdom, and courage to fight against her breast cancer. She is truly a courageous young woman; my family applauses her positive outlook on life as we give thanks and praise to the almighty God for his blessings.

I interviewed Weeze Wednesday night. Over the telephone, she candidly talked about her life and struggle.


Updated October 22, 2007
When were you diagnosed with breast cancer? I was diagnosed in April, 2002 at age 20.
What prompted you to get an examination? I was in my apartment late one night, when I got an itch on my beast. I scratched, then I felt something wet on my hand. I went to the mirror to check. When I touched my breast, discharge sprayed on the mirror. The next morning, I went to student services, and they recommended I see a specialist in Urbana. My dad wanted me to come home to see a doctor in Chicago. In May 2002, I had both breasts removed. In the same surgery, the doctors performed breast reconstruction. Though the cancer was only found in the right breast, I decided to have both breasts removed because I did not want to risk the cancer recurring in the left breast. I was given the option of simple lumpectomy where I would have been able to keep both breasts, but that would have required radiation. Radiation is a process that takes place over several weeks, and time was of the essence. I I was planning to go to Spain in the fall. As a Spanish major, I really wanted to study abroad.

What stage was your cancer? Well, they never gave me any stage. But the type of cancer that I had is Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS), which means the cancer is non-invasive, and confined to the ducts. That was not true for me. In 2003, the cancer had spread to the lymph nodes in my right armpit.

I know that your mother died of complications related to breast cancer. How old were you when she passed? Five years old and she was thirty-five.

Do you remember how you felt at the time? I really did not know what was going on with her. I was sad when she was away. I did not understand cancer.

How did she approach her condition? She did as much as she could physically do. She went through chemo and radiation treatments. I remember she had open wounds. Her cancer was in the later stages when she was diagnosed.

Are there other women in your family who were diagnosed with the disease? No. Not that I know of. My mom's mom only had one nipple. People back then did not talk about illnesses or diseases.

After being diagnosed, when did you have surgery? End of May 2002. I had several surgeries and procedures.
1. Surgery April 2002 surgical biopsy
2. Surgery mastectomy breast removal May 2002 and reconstruction
3. Procedures to fill expanders with saline solution over the summer.
4. Surgery reconstruction - permanent implants.
5. Surgery April 2003, lymph nodes removal from right armpit. (2 days)
6. Graduated from UIUC in May 2003
7. Went to Puerto Rico after graduation
8. Chemotherapy starts June 2003 (one week after graduation)
9. Chemotherapy every two weeks from June to September 2003
10. Procedure - radiation from October to November 2003 (5 days a week - at the end of the treatment, the procedures became very painful and my skin turned black, fell off, and it took a long time for it to come back)
11. While living in Florida 2004 discovered tumor on the brain
12. Brain surgery December 2004
13. Procedure – radiation to the entire brain 5 days a week for three weeks (No cancer came back to my breast - it moved to my brain)
14. Radiation Surgery for another tumor on the brain – it was small January 2005
15. Started having seizers in October 2005
16. Surgery to remove the tumor that they thought the radiation surgery had dissolved October 2005
17. Surgery on the brain to remove another tumor July 2006
18. Surgery on the brain January 2007


What was the prognosis for survival? They never said any thing about survival or that the cancer could move to my brain. Breast cancer is commonly known to travel to other parts of the body: brain, ovaries, bones, lungs, and liver. How did you feel about the prognosis? I have every confidence in my team of doctors. They all go out of their way to make sure that I am well taken care of. I have to go to the doctor every three months for brain and chest scans. After the scans, I immediately discuss the results with my doctors. If there is a problem, my doctors take action immediately. There have been no tumors since January this year. My cancer feeds on estrogen, so I get injections every three months to temporarily shut down my ovaries. I Also take a drug called Arimidex once a day, to get rid of any extra estrogen that may remain in my body after the injection.

Did you join any support groups? I didn't; I regret it. One nurse reached out to me, but I was afraid to join her support group.


Are you a member of a cancer awareness organization? I have been a speaker and given my testimony to audiences. I have spoken to several women that are going through similar experiences, but I only know these women through mutual friends.I am not currently involved in any awareness organizations. I think about it all of the time. I do want to become more involved, but my thoughts of involvement have been clouded by focus on my future. I do believe that once I become more established and have made my dreams more of a reality, then I will become more involved. I am passionate about this, and until I can show it more, I am always willing to talk about it and answer questions for ANYONE who wants to know more.

How did your father respond to the turn of events? Other family members? Obviously having to watch someone you love (especially your child) go through surgeries and treatments is diffiicult for anyone. I may not have always been happy with the way my dad handled the situation, but I do believe he loves me and did the best that he knew how to do. All of my family was very supportive. They all pulled together, and were there for me. I didn't realize how immensely loved I was until this. That helped me a lot.

How did breast cancer affect your college career? I really tried not to focus on it; my life full was of other events. It helped me deal with the cancer.

After graduating, you taught in Spain for a few years, how did you decide that teaching in Spain would be a good move for you at that particular point in your life? I majored in Spanish in college. I wanted to be more fluent in Spanish, and after all of the surgeries, I just wanted to get away. I’d studied in Spain, and fell in love with it. So I decided to go to back there to bring happiness and piece of my mind to my life. It gave me the opportunity to focus on myself.

What made you come back to the US? That was one of the most difficult decisions of my life. My colleagues in Spain did ask me to return for another year. I was really happy there, and would have loved to do it again. However, between finances, the risk of getting sick again, and my need to move forward with my life here in the United States, I decided against it. Though I miss it every day, I know I made the right decision.

What would you tell a young person who is faced with a similar circumstance? The most important thing to do is be positive. Cancer is not a death sentence. If you believe in a higher power, pray. I talked to God and my mom a lot. I still have to deal with the physical appearance of my body as a result of all of my cancer treatments. I’m still nervous to show the scars to anyone, particularly a potential boyfriend. Having cancer will definitely change your life, but it’s not all for the worse. Being a survivor has made me aware of an inner strength I never knew I had. I don’t wish I never had breast cancer. The experiences helped to shape the person I am today.

The Future: My next task is graduate school. I hope to start working on my M.S. in Education this spring. My focus will be in bilingual education. I hope to work as a bilingual teacher. Hopefully I’ll get married and have a couple kids. No matter what the future brings, I will always be Eloise (Weeze), and I love who she is!