Monday, August 25, 2008

The Olympics are over

It sure is good that the Olympics are over. We are big Olympics fans and spent much of the past two weeks in front of the TV. We have really enjoyed watching - but they sure have kept us late pretty often. For me, two of the swims were fabulous - the men's 4 X 100 medley relay and Michael Phelps' race that he won by a fingernail. And...that guy from Jamaica, Usain Bolt sure is fast!

I continue with my treatments by Dr Yang - the Doctor of Chinese Medicine. She is using a combination of acupuncture, cupping, electric pulse therapy and herbal patches & pills. The progress on my frozen shoulder and neuropathy in my feet is amazing. She is working to increase my "chi" - energy level and some of the treatments are for my lungs. I'll take anything I can get right now.

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

One year since remission

Well...today was my "one year since remission" check up. And, it was great. Dr. Einhorn told me that my xray was improved from last time (two months ago). He said that he compared and discussed this xray versus May 07 with the head of radiology. Dr. Einhorn says that the progress that I have made is remarkable. And, it is particularly great that I have improved over the past few months with no treatments of any kind. My last Avastin was in late April/early May.

Needless to say, I am very relieved. I had some anxiety when the Avastin treatments were done. I was concerned that cancer would become active again shortly after. But...not the case. Hurray!!

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

acupuncture

Well...I am amazed at the progress being made on my frozen shoulder by Dr Yang. Just over a week ago, I had an almost constant throbbing in my shoulder and upper arm and I had a range of motion of about 35 degrees - I could raise my arm straight to the side about to waist height. Now, after four treatments, most of the pain is gone and I can raise my arm to the side just over my shoulder - maybe about 100 degrees. I am now able to do things that were painful - like tucking in my shirt, reaching into my back left pocket, closing my car door. I am really pleased with the progress.

Yesterday, she started treatment for the peripheral neuropathy in my feet. She is using acupuncture and electrical pulse treatments. My feet seem better today; but, I am waiting to see of any improvements stay with me.

It was kinda funny on Sunday - we had cards at our house and had five other couples playing. When the topic of my acupuncture came up, all of the strange comments, myths, etc started coming up. However, nobody could deny the progress of my improved range of motion in my arm and the reduction of the pain. Most people were still a little uncomfortable because I think there is such a lack of knowledge and understanding about Chinese medicine.