3 Years and Counting

Lately, I have been thinking about the breast cancer again.  Not sure if it is because I see a lot of women wearing Susan B. Komen t-shirts from the recent run, or just because I am hearing of more people dying of the disease.

You would think that after all this time and the level of treatment I had, and am still on, that it would not be on my mind, but you really can't stop thinking about it.  Just today, I heard that someone in their mid-40s died after a lengthy battle with recurrent breast cancer.  It is just unfair!

Pinktober and Mammogram

It's that time of the year where we are all surrounded in pink.  You just can't get away from it.  So if you haven't taken the time to get your mammogram this year, think pink, and make that appointment.  Early surveillance, in most case, yields a longer life!

Today was mammogram day.  I dread it.  It was particularly worrisome since, during the annual GYN visit, the doctor was concerned about a hardened area in my radiated breast.  But...GREAT NEWS!!!  All is well.  There are no changes from last year, and I can wait another full year before another mammogram.  Kudos to Tamoxifen and all its nasty side effects.  Three years out and I'm cancer-free!

May next year bring me continued good news...  Happy Pinktober everyone!

Summertime and the Living is Easy

I have officially passed the half-way point for Tamoxifen treatment.  While the many side effects have been annoying to the point that I cringe before taking the medicine, I still forge ahead, always keeping in mind that the alternative is far worse.

As I near the 3 year anniversary of my diagnosis, I can look back and find the good things that came out of the experience.  I have learned to love myself a little more and am taking better care of myself.  Pampering myself is a big change from taking care of everyone else. I am now working in a job where the atmosphere is light and fun. Where work was once the primary source of stress, it is now "fun" and I don't mind going to work every day. 

My next mammogram is in October.  That's always a bit scary, but I can feel assured that I continue to do all I can to keep the cancer from returning.  In the meantime, I'm enjoying the summer...the flowers and the warm weather, playing with my sweet dogs, and spending time with my wonderful family and friends. It really doesn't get much better than this, living a peaceful dependable life.

2-1/2 Years Later

In April, I had my 6 months check-up with the oncologist. The Tamoxifen, while creating some uncomfortable side effects, has treated my body well, and now I'm half-way over treatment. My next oncology visit is in October, right after, my next digital mammography. The bottom line: All is good!