Ellen Updates

It’s been a minute 😁

Radiation finished in March and while there were hopes that would be the end of it*, my body decided adding a cardiologist and endocrinologist to the medical squad was better.

After two weeks of recovery post-radiation, my heart rate started raising and wasn’t slowing down. Fortunately, I was at physical therapy when I almost passed out and the facility also has cardiac rehab so they were able to get data. That bought me a ticket to urgent care, primary care doctor and referrals. Still trying to figure out exactly what is wrong, likely the thyroid, not the heart.

Glass half full, the ability to treat locally has made navigating these speed bumps much easier. And another “win” is physical therapy that is somewhat preventive for lymphedema. The removal of lymph nodes puts me at risk, and so my providers set me up with a specialist. She is great and works on the physical and mental – she gets me a bit teary each session with questions about goals and encouragement to get back to my pre cancer life.

In non-medical news, I saw my first hummingbird of the year and am appreciating the spring flowers, trees leafing out and the start of our farmers’ market and outdoor festivals. 😘

*it being cancer and any related treatment.