Disability guilt might be a bit strong for how I would describe it but the statements are real. Instead of guilt, it is more frustrations for me. I wanted to share as I’m sure many people going through their own things can relate.
So far my blood cultures are negative. I will probably get the final result today and do not expect something different since we know the source was from strep throat. If it was some rare nasty bug, it might take more time to grow, but not strep A. This is a huge win and a great addition to my public service announcement to the doctor ASAP is so important.
I’m on my Augmentin and another public service announcement, I will be taking ALL of my antibiotics as prescribed. I am feeling better day by day and am to return to work tomorrow.
From the Mayo Clinic:
“Taking antibiotics responsibly: It's tempting to stop taking an antibiotic as soon as you feel better. But you need to take the full treatment to kill the disease-causing bacteria. If you don't take an antibiotic as prescribed, you may need to start treatment again later. If you stop taking it, it can also promote the spread of antibiotic-resistant properties among harmful bacteria.”
Due to the findings of the "hazy ill-defined asymmetric density", my care team quickly got me further x-rays (initial x-ray was anterior to posterior or AP (front to back)) and the further images were PA (posterior to anterior or back to front), lateral (from the side) and oblique (a partial turn) to truly visualize the area. The further imaging did not show the same density seen and the impression was "The previously described density over the left lateral peripheral lung field was related to superimposed soft tissue structures." I'll keep doing my breast checks but know there may be scar tissue that tosses in some scares in there. I'm currently learning the balance between being the girl who cries wolf and not speaking up when I need to.
Posterior-Anterior and Anterior-Posterior Views
Still awaiting results from blood cultures.
We're currently awaiting the results of my blood cultures to see if the infection went into my bloodstream. This can take 24-72 hours. In the meantime, I'm on Augmentin (Amoxicillin / Clavulanic acid) to treat any bacteria that is in my system, with the suspected culprit being strep throat. Strep throat is actually streptococcus pharyngitis which is an inflammation of the throat (pharynx) which is caused by Group A streptococcus bacteria known as streptococcus pyogenes.
I also wanted to elaborate on the action of sepsis. This is a review of sepsis caused by Group A Streptococcus but many things can cause sepsis and will result in various presentations. Sepsis is a generally unknown, but serious condition. While undergoing cancer treatment, it is very possible to have an exposure to something that could lead to sepsis. Knowledge is power and time is essential. Bottom line is that sepsis, which was often called blood poisoning, is a life-threatening emergency that happens when your body's response to an infection damages vital organs and, often, causes death.
"Sepsis takes a life every two minutes. It can look like a routine illness, then quickly change into a severe, life-threatening situation,” said Jennifer Yu, MD, sepsis physician lead for MedStar Health and critical care physician at MedStar Washington Hospital Center.
An excerpt from the link above which is endsepsis.org:
"Strep A is a type of bacteria that can cause a range of infections, from mild skin infections (such as impetigo) to more serious conditions such as strep throat, scarlet fever, and necrotizing fasciitis (also known as flesh-eating disease). In some cases, strep A infections can lead to sepsis.
Sepsis is a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when the body’s response to an infection damages its tissues and organs. It can be caused by many different types of bacteria, including Streptococcus pyogenes (also known as group A streptococcus or “strep A”)."
But with all of this, as long as you get the care you need when you need it, your body is amazing and CAN HEAL!
When I was in quality, one of the quality measures was getting fluids and antibiotics in a potential person with sepsis within 1 hour of arrival. They did it! This continues to show the great care I get right here in my town of Palmer, AK. No big cities needed.
Some of you know but some of you don’t, that my mom had sepsis. She was within hours of potential death by the time she got to the hospital. Her situation was a septic hip joint. She survived but it’s very important to know how serious sepsis is. She and I both run a lower temperate normally so when we both got over 100 degrees, we knew it was an issue. It helps to know your baseline temperature for that reason.
My oncologists office told me to get to either them (they’re not open) or the ED if I had a temperature over 100. I didn’t hesitate and the ED team says I did the right thing. Don’t hesitate! Get the care you need!
The following images resonated with me, and I know they will for others with chronic illness. Even tackling the laundry can feel daunting. I've stayed quite healthy throughout my treatments but feel something coming on. It's draining my energy. I'm going to keep moving and currently have some chicken noodle soup on the stove with ginger and garlic to see if I can kick this thing.
I love the clarity that comes with putting my thoughts down in my blog (my way of journaling) and hoping that it helps others provides me with gratitude so it’s a double whammy. The type of double whammy I like.
"I am deliberate and afraid of nothing" is stamped on a bracelet that my sister gave to me at her wedding. She gave all of her bridesmaids bracelets with a message that best reminded her of them. Mine couldn't be more appropriate.
I am not afraid of cancer. I am not afraid of getting a secondary cancer. Most importantly, I am not afraid of dying. I say that without wanting to die, but when (not if) it happens, I'll be ok with it. I've done quite a bit and accomplished a lot in my short 39 years. I am fortunate to know what love is. I fear not the unknown.
My bracelet says "afraid of nothing" but there is one thing I am afraid of, and that is having my parents have to experience losing a child. That was one of the first thoughts I had when I was diagnosed and knew I had to have extensive treatment. No parent should ever have to lose a child, especially mine.
I am beginning to intertwine my pre-cancer self with my post-cancer self, now that I have enough energy to work and still use my brain the rest of the day. My therapist might call this a break through, I just call it about damn time. Old Stephanie isn’t gone, she’s just a bit different.
For managing tasks while prioritizing for optimal energy conservation and concern for fatigue that can easily flow into the next day, I find the Eisenhower matrix very helpful. Maybe you will too!
I bet only the women open this post. Sorry guys. I wish I could run for the hills as well when I hear this word, but I can’t.
After radiation was complete, and I recovered one month, it was time to make the decision on my ongoing oral hormone suppression for the next 10 years. My choices were:
Option 1: Tamoxifen for 2-3 years then an aromatase inhibitor 7-8 years
Option 2: Aromatase inhibitor for 10 years
Option 3: Luperon shots weekly to suppress ovarian function with an aromatase inhibitor for 10 years
Labs to assess my ovarian function were important for this decision, as one must be identified as pre-menopausal, peri-menopausal, or post-menopausal - here’s some info from google AI:
Ovarian function labs measure levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and estradiol to assess ovarian reserve and reproductive health:
