May 10, 2026 Update

First of all, I am so sorry I have not kept this page up to date. That said, I had bloodwork done last Thursday, May 7th.  They were mostly normal so when I see the oncologist this Thursday, May 14. I will post another update after this appointment.  I will ask if I can stop the Vit B complex, iron, vitamin D3, and the Calcium/magnesium/ zinc. I think I'll stay on the multivitamin unless she tells me not to. 

 The cancer markers tests were a little concerning.  One was in the normal range but one was high. 

 CEA - 4.1 Normal is 0-3 The CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen) blood test measures a protein that can indicate the presence of breast cancer, particularly in metastatic or recurrent cases. It is primarily used to monitor treatment effectiveness and detect cancer recurrence, rather than for initial screening. CEA is often combined with CA 15-3 for a more accurate assessment of breast cancer metastasis 

 CA 27-29 - 27.3 Normal is below 38 The CA 27.29 blood test, or Cancer Antigen 27.29, is a tumor marker used primarily to monitor metastatic breast cancer, evaluate treatment response, and detect potential recurrence. A normal result is generally considered to be less than 38 U/mL, though levels can be elevated in other cancers and noncancerous conditions. 

 I am still having speech problems, mostly when I'm anxious or tired but sometimes I can't pin down any reason. I still find myself dropping things about 2-5 times per day. Very frustrating.  I also cannot seem to park straight.  This has been new as of about 6 months ago. I can't seem to multi-task any more. If there is music playing, or the TV, I can't focus on what I'm trying to do whether it's reading, writing a list, or some other task. I still have problems with forgetfulness, memory, concentration, and balance. I have gotten some guides to exercises for balance, I just need to start doing it. 

 I have spoken to my neurologist about all this and he thinks it's all normal at this point. I was concerned about early onset dementia but he said all my tests are normal so I am fine. I'm not real sure so I'll keep track of the neuropsycological issues until I see him again. I will also bring this all up with oncology this Thursday. I am so thankful that none of these issues have kept me from working or enjoying life in general. They are bothersome for sure but I try to be optimistic. 

I'm back!

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 My mom has been kind enough to set up a website for me when I started my breast cancer journey. She retired from writing on Dec 31 2025 and is cutting expenses. Hosting for that website and other websites is going away. So all my posts have been duplicated here and I hope you will continue to follow me on my journey.

My latest oncologist visit

 

What my oncologist said…

Severe dry mouth: “It sounds like you are doing everything right. ” (using Biotene mouthwash, oral spray and mouthwash and staying very well hydrated.) “We would just encourage you to moisten your food prior to eating with sauces, broth or gravy. Apply petroleum jelly, Aquaphor to lips and gums. Additionally using a cool mist humidifier can help.

Edema in legs: wear compression socks and I just got some new ones because I gave most of mine away

CT Scan: No sign of metastasis. However, they saw very bad arthritis (“advanced spinal degenerative change”), which I have been aware of since 2008 when I had to stop working as a LPN due to the arthritis in my spine ( I was doing home visits with people who were quadriplegics.) That’s when the VA came in and offered to send me back to school to finish my Bachelor’s degree . I still have some questions about the CT findings because I didn’t have the results opened on my phone so some questions went unanswered. I will probably draft a secure message with those questions.

Sleep issues: Too much mental stimulation (phone), try reading instead

CEA blood test (tests inflammation): Still high, but it’s slowly going down

Stiffness in hamstrings and hips: Move more, add weight bearing exercises

Currently, I am being seen every four months because of the osteopenia. She is concerned abut it becoming full blown osteoporosis so I will have another bone density scan in October. Meanwhile she wants me to incorporate some weight bearing exercise into my days. When I researched that, I saw that my balance exercises were considered weight bearing exercise so I can kill both birds with one stone. I also found out that resistance exercises are also weight bearing exercises so I’m going to research that.

At 3 my year mark (3 years cancer free) we will switch to every 6 months. This will be in March 2027.

What’s up with me now?

 

I’m going to be doing (finally) the neuropsycological testing on January 8 and after that I will see neurology at the VA here in Colorado Springs on January 23. I’m glad it’s finally time to get this done.

I see my oncologist on January 13 to go over bloodwork that I’ll be getting drawn on January 2.

On February 19 I’ll be having some follow-up work done with the plastic surgeon. Nothing real major, just a short procedure with a very minimal recovery time.

Thanks for all your support!!