I will be starting the second week of my second cycle tomorrow. Thankfully, the blisters I had at the end of last cycle have gone down without popping due to staying off my feet more and keeping them medicated and moisturized. I am using several creams my brother sent to me during the day and soaking my hands and feet in Aquaphor before bed. I borrowed a knee scooter from a friend of mine to use around the house or whenever I go out and now the kids can't keep up with me. :)
I am grateful I'm still able to get around but most days my feet feel like I went outside in the summer heat and stood barefoot on the pavement for a half hour. They feel burned and very tender at this point. I think the severity of the hand/foot syndrome will definitely vary depending on where I am in the cycle and the length of time I am on the Xeloda. I'm looking forward to not having to take pills next week, but in terms of the side effects Dr. Curley says that usually there's a delayed effect and the week off the meds is the worse and the first week of a new cycle there will be some relief. I have been able to ride my bike in the mornings to get some exercise but the temperature has hit triple digits here so I have to get out early if I want to beat the heat 😅. I've stayed away from swimming since the chlorine can really dry out my skin.
Last Wednesday, I met with Dr. Matatov, our plastic surgeon. I haven't seen him since before my radiation and he was very pleased with how my skin is healing. He feels I will do well with the reconstruction. He wants to give me 6–8 weeks after I finish oral chemo before we look at surgery, so my body is strong and ready to recover from another operation. So, I'll most likely finish oral chemo toward the end of October and he is looking at reconstruction surgery mid-December. He will also take out my port at that time if all goes well. He wants me to do some massage around my expander to decrease the rate of capsular contracture.
Friday, I had a mammogram and ultrasound of my right breast since it's been over a year since my diagnosis. I'm happy to report that everything looked completely normal! I will continue to have annual imaging on that side but I should not need to do any testing on my left side after my reconstruction due to the fact that all mammary glands have been removed.It has been an exciting time for the kids who finished finals and school on May 28th. I was so happy to attend Ryan's high school graduation on the 29th. On the 30th, he turned 18 and after church he was ordained as an Elder in the priesthood in preparation for his mission. After his ordination, he was able to help set apart Glen and I in our new callings as ward missionaries!! We feel joyful to be able to serve in this capacity with Paul and Ryan.
Happy summer to you all!
