RESULTS ARE IN...

I got my MRI results on Friday. The DCIS is the same size as it was before. This is good - it means it is not growing or moving anywhere, and it means that what I am doing is not making it worse. However, I would like to see it shrink in the coming months. My genetic test results also came back: the results are 95% negative, meaning that it is not hereditary. Surprising.

Upcoming: I will get an MRI in three months to continue monitoring the size. I need to make sure that the MRI is covered every three months, which is more accurate than a mammogram (which is covered). If it is not covered every three months they want me to get a mammogram, which would only be accurate enough to see if the DCIS became invasive. I will continue to make more good lifestyle changes, looking at where, environmentally, carcinogens may be entering my system...through the products I use on myself and around the house or the food I eat.

UPDATE

With the new year comes...flexible spending use for my appointments. :)  The appointments started last week with getting blood drawn for a genetic test. I'll get results in about two weeks. My upcoming MRI, doctor's appointment, and consult with the plastic surgeon was rescheduled for January 25-27.


Generally, I'm feeling very good these days. Here is a summary of what I've been doing:

Sleep:  I've had an average of nine hours of sleep a night usually starting by 11pm.

Consumption: I am still boiling herbs, drinking a cup before breakfast and a cup before dinner. I've had probably seven sips of alcohol, three bites of cheese, two yummy bites of dessert - representing the extent of my alcohol, dairy, and sugar intake for the whole month. Before you think that I'm just eating things like granola and veggies, I'll tell you that I'm still eating to my heart's content and eating well.

Body: Although I still fit in some tennis maybe once a week, it's been quite cold, so what is more regular is I've been doing yoga 2-3 times a week. I started the new year with a wonderful Empty Cup yoga class on New Years Day. I soak my feet at night in an Epsom salt bath. Oh, and I floss every day! My dentist would be so proud. Physical State: Lighter and leaner than before, stretched out, clean.

Mind: I meditate every morning (almost) and have been reading a lot. I am working but work from home or coffee shops, so it's a little more relaxing although I do miss working with people. Currently on my shelf is "There is a Spiritual Solution to Every Problem" by Wayne Dyer (mom read this) and "My Stroke of Insight" by Jill Bolte Taylor, lended to me by friends. Mental State: calm and conscious with occasional moments of ego. :)

My body and mind are active during the day and well-rested at night. I can tell you that it feels very different than the schedule that I used to follow. Not traveling has really been a nice change, too. I can tell my body is thankful for it!