Thursday, November 29, 2012

DEXA Scan

I went today for my DEXA scan to confirm or rule out osteoporosis.  It was super quick, and painless.  You don't even need to get undressed.  I should have the results tomorrow or Monday.  I am hoping for the best!

On another note, today is my mother's 62nd birthday.  I miss her so much. 

Thursday, November 8, 2012

No Longer Running for my Life

I was dreading this day for a while now.  I have been unable to effectively stop the pain in my legs after running.  I have been seeing an orthopedist who treated me for tendinitis, shin splints and finally ordered an MRI to get a full picture of what was happening.  I have multiple fractures and pre-fractures in both shins.  I cannot run for at least two weeks while the fractures start to heal.  I have to go 14 consecutive days without pain over a 3/10.  Should I have pain, I have to start over the two week period.  Today doesn't count since I am in pain.  I have a walking boot on my left leg.  Funny enough, you can't wear two boots, so despite having fractures in both legs, I have the boot on the one that hurts right now since I had to pick just one.  Just call me Captain Lieutenant Dan!

While I can't run for my life, I will bike and swim for my life.  I MUST keep my weight under control as with menopause I am at increase risk for heart disease.  Further, this could all be related to my menopause.  The doctor is seeing signs of osteoporosis.  He said he just doesn't see this extent of injury in women my age with my stature.  I am going to be regimen in my hormone and vitamin therapy daily.  I am also going to look into calcium pills, and Boniva (think Sally Field commercials).  When I go back to the gynecologist, I am going to ask about tweaking my hormones again. (I called today and they are probably going to order a bone density scan to rule out or confirm osteoporosis) 

I have having a hard day emotionally.  I feel like, while I am glad I made the decision to have an oopherectomy, and I do feel it saved my life, I am frustrated with the after effects.  I am frustrated with not being able to do the activities I want to do. 

Thursday, November 1, 2012

Mastectomy Tattoo

It has been too long since I wrote.  I am happy to report that there is absolutely nothing to report.  I think about this blog often, but I just don't have any new information I am burning to get out there.

Recently, I have been thinking about my tattooing and my options.  I could go with nipples.  I could get flowers.  I could leave my albino breast alone.  Ray really doesn't care one way of the other.  I personally don't either....right now.  But I have been looking more and more into mastectomy tattoos. 

I think I like the idea of having a nipple on one side and a special meaningful tattoo on the other.  I could post pictures of examples, but then I would have to change this to an "adult only" blog.  So instead, I am going to urge you to look up on google, or Pinterest or wherever; mastectomy tattoos.

Ray is talking with an artist we have used before.  I want the right artist for me and someone that understand the significance of this piece and also understands my story.  I need someone that is comfortable working on a breast and can work around an implant. 

My idea is a vine with flowers representing each day the children were born, my mother's birthday and Ray's.  These are the people I started this journey for.  The vine would be vertical along my side with an angel representing my mother at the top near my neck and the word courage just below the crease under my breast.  All of this would be intertwined to create one piece.  I am very excited about it.  Although I have NO idea when it will get done.  We don't typically have tattoo money laying around.

The nipple on the other side is free through insurance and I have to schedule that with the licensed nipple tattooer at my surgeon's office.  What have my other previving friends done?