Editor's Note: NewsChannel 2 Anchorwoman Wendy Chioji is grateful to all of the viewers who have expressed their best wishes as she wages her fight against breast cancer.

Chioji has chosen to use NewsChannel2000.com as her way of keeping the public updated on her health. New diary entries will be posted every Friday.

The ski trip was fab. There's been a lot of snow in Colorado, and a lot of the ski runs were open with powder.

My stamina wasn't anything like it usually is. I'm usually one of the first on the mountain and the last off before the lifts close. But that was definitely not the case this time. My legs turned to noodles, and I was winded after a couple of hours. My arms got pretty tired of using the ski poles, too. All very unusual, for me. And the cold weather made my eyes tear like crazy, but we had a wonderful time.

BREAST CANCER INFORMATION Four Steps Promote Early Detection WENDY'S DIARY Oct. 31: Ride For The Roses Oct. 24: Another Cycling Weekend Oct. 18: An Emotional Finish Oct. 17: Singin' In The Rain Oct 16: Rally In Indianapolis Oct. 15: Chilling In Arkansas Oct. 14: Monster Crosswinds Oct. 13: Tailwind To Texas Oct. 12: An Uphill Climb Oct. 11: The Race Begins Previous Diary Entries WEB LINKS Florida Hospital mammography locations Complete Guide For Breast Cancer Breast Cancer Decision Guide Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation National Breast Cancer Coalition American Cancer Society National Breast Cancer Coalition INTERACTIVE Breast Cancer Survivors: Share Your Experiences Meet Other Breast Cancer Survivors

I love being in the mountains; it's so beautiful and powerful. I really appreciated getting out there this year. It was great seeing Lisa and Kevin, too. We celebrated a lot of things, including their new baby.

I was slightly concerned about the long flights, because of all I've read about the pressure in the plane leading to lymphedema. Nothing happened, though. I kept my arm elevated on and off. I was very nonchalant, of course.

I went to see a lymphedema specialist when I came back from Colorado. She was really nice and full of information -- not alarmist at all. She showed me some massage techniques that should help me prevent the condition. I also ordered a compression sleeve that I'll wear on long flights from now on. It looks like the sleeve that Allen Iverson (Philadelphia 76ers) wore to protect his elbow during last year's NBA season, except it's beige.

Kristy also told me to go on with my life, but just to be aware of my arm. If I notice any swelling (I haven't, yet) then just back off from workouts, heavy weights, push-ups, whatever. I feel much better. I'll find something else to stress about now.

I've done some digging about the aromatase inhibitors, which I'd hoped I could take instead of Tamoxifen. It looks like no dice for me, not yet. The aromatase inhibitors have been tested on postmenopausal women.

Dr. Dave said the news about the drugs last week was just from one study. He doesn't want me to take aromatase inhibitors until there are more studies. So, it's Tamoxifen for me (drat!), at least for a while. He said if there are good studies in a year or so, I can switch over. I'll be watching the medical journals carefully.

This year, Christmas is extra special for me. We put up decorations early and strung more lights than ever to make the house pretty. I haven't complained once (well, maybe once) about shopping or preparing for the holidays. I feel lucky to be alive and thankful to have so many friends that I love close to me. Have a wonderful holiday.

I'm going to New York City next week for a few days, so the journal will be a couple of days late! I'll be thinking of you!

Wendy
Dec. 21, 2001

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