All clear!

Today I had my first mammogram in almost a year. I had the first one in February of '05 which was the start of my whirlwind diagnosis and treatment. Since then, I have had many a test, but no mammogram. Now that I am on a maintenance program, I have had my first maintenance mammogram! It was clear as a bell. My surgeon told me I was a "miracle girl!" He was very pleased with the results, of course, and had no new course of treatment for me. I will see him again in 3 months.

My dad got to go with me to my appointments this morning. He came down for a wonderful visit this weekend and extended it to make this appointment. The rest of my family would be quite proud of his presence because each time a doctor or nurse would ask how I was doing, I would say "just fine!" and dad would say, "now, Jess, your feet have been hurting..." Which did prompt some good advice: lots of fluids, good shoes, and checking my feet often for cuts, etc... Dr. Euhus said that taking Taxotere (a chemo drug I once took) affects your nervous system for years to come and thought there was a connection to my feet tingling and numbing a bit with the Xeloda... so, it could be the chemo drug's long term affects.

My feet have benefited from a week off the Xeloda. I started up again today. I will have some more tests next month that might mean an adjustment of the medicines. For now, I will deal with the minimal side effects of this one. I'll take hurt feet over nausea any day of the week!

My hair is growing back, albeit very curly. I have to be thankful for any hair at all, but I do wish it would relax a little. It is quite soft and thicker too. Jadyn told me the other day during one of her nicer moments, " Mom, your hair is so pretty!" ...Then, she screamed at her sister, "Stop touching me!"

Life goes on... :)