Goodbye Hormones

Yes, the doctors have decided I need to shut down the hormone factory. The cancer I had is hormone receptive so I must get rid of the hormones. I like that in theory, just not too excited about surgery, which is tomorrow. Don't get me wrong, I am ready for it....I think. No really, I had all the blood drawn, the chest x-ray and the EKG. I am getting used to being poked, pricked, and prodded. The pain goes away with pain pills so that's a big plus. I don't like the dizzy feeling but hey, it's better than pain.



What I really don't care for are the hot flashes. Yes people, hot flashes. In case you have not been privy to one of these mega furnice feelings, let me describe it. First you are happy, enjoying a good time, feeling great, and maybe even a bit chilly, when suddenly a heat wave moves straight into your face, you suddenly turn red, and the heat bubbles from the inside of your body working it's way out through every pore. You rip off whatever top layer of clothes can be removed without being arrested for indecent exposure, (if at home, you get indecent anyway). The kids run off to the their rooms and hide under the bed. You turn up all the ceiling fans and air conditioners to the coldest settings and then stand in front of the blowing vent while still drenched in sweat. Just when you are about to stick your head in the freezer, suddenly it goes away and you are freezing. While covered up in blankets, you dare anyone to turn off the air just in case another flash appears in the blink of an eye. And it will.



Anyway, that's about 1/10th of what a hot flash feels like. I'm sure my ovaries have quit producing these wonderful, yet evil monsters anyway since I have been having these wonderful flashes for quite a while. Especially since I quit the hormone therapy last year, but I can't help but think that the few hormones they do make (that the meds don't kill), probably have been helping to quench these relentless fire spasms somewhat. After tomorrow, you might want to bring your big coat with you when you are around me because I will be in the tank top looking for the nearest air vent to stand, sit, or sleep beside. Also, you might want to stand down wind.



So tomorrow, I say goodbye to hormones, a lesser chance of cancer, and hello to portable battery operated fans.