I saw Dr. Forman today and received high praise on my appearance. "This is the first time in weeks that I've seen you and not thought that you looked like someone who needs to be hospitalized." I guess that means that now I no longer look like death warmed over. That Dr. Forman really knows how to turn my head.
When I saw Dr. Forman a week ago, my chief complaint was my daily blackout. Attempting to take a few steps was like playing Russian Roulette. Would this trip to the bathroom contain the bullet? Would I pass out and hit the ground and then find myself lying supine on the cold, hard floor, bewildered and confused?
But, miraculously, I've had no dizziness and no blackouts for a week now. I've also been seeing an "alternative practitioner" and wonder if I can chalk up the disappearance of dizziness to the "alt team." I'm still highly skeptical of the therapy, question everything and do not hesitate to tell the practitioner, "That's a bunch of bunk." (Yes, I'm a dream patient.) And yet . . . something has changed.
The best news is that I've gone from 105 to 115 pounds. YES! I've managed to gain 10 pounds in one week. Of course, 115 pounds on a 5' 10" woman is still frightfully skinny, but I feel like I've graduated from emaciated POW to anorexic supermodel. Yes, it's all relative.
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That's fabulous news. What alternative medicine are you using? I do think it's best to be skeptical, but I also believe a lot of it has real benefits.
That's great. I'm so glad you're on the road to recovery!
we are making progress! this is good! fewer black outs (oh, c'mon, tell the truth, you've been having 3 martini breakfasts!!!) and more activities and less doctors worrying about the way you look.
keep up the good work. by the time the new year rolls around you might be at fighting weight!
Hey Susan,
I'm 5'9" and normally weigh, um, well, around 140. During my first round of chemo, I went down to about 120 and looked really really thin, so I can relate to what you're saying. Once when a friend came over to visit, I took off my scarf to show her my bald head. Here's what she said: "Wow, you look like a Concentration Camp survivor!" I was, naturally appalled. The funny thing is that she's actually a good friend. She just doesn't know how to censor herself. By the way I was looking for the part on your blog that describes more about you, but I couldn't find it. What do you do, anyway? You're such a good writer.
ooops, never mind, I found the "About Me" part. Do you do a lot of writing in your job?
Janet, the modality I'm using is called B.E.S.T.
http://www.morter.com/what_is_best.php
Trish, No that would be a 3-Manhattan breakfast!
Ronnie, yes I do a lot of writing professionally. I worked for a marketing communications firm for five years and I just started my own business (www.anewleafcomm.com).
I'm doing a lot of freelance writing at the moment.
What is your alternative treatment? Never underestimate the power of alternative treatments + western medicine. Thats what I think, I am thrilled to hear you are feeling better and gainging weight!
I am so glad to hear this wonderful news. And although I too am usually skeptical of alternative medicine, I too have found that sometimes healing comes in unusual ways. Whatever the reason is for your improvement, I'm delighted!
I know so few people to whom I can say "congratulations on your multi-pound weight gain." But for you: Congratulations on that big ole weight gain! On with the fun food!
I wouldn't be surprised if it was your alernative doctor for the improvement.
Establishment medicine doesn't have a good track record against cancer: cut, burn, & poison are their weapons. The next generation will look back at how we in this time treated this disease & wonder in bewilderment & humor.
But, much good luck & prayers in whatever you find that works for you.
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