tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67069708644512368162024-03-13T08:45:23.832-04:00My Journey with Breast CancerThe story of a woman, who developed breast cancer in her early 50s. You will share her emotions as she deals with treatment decisions and the emotional anguish associated with her own mother dying of this horrible disease. A must read for the newly diagnosed breast cancer patient.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger83125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6706970864451236816.post-85202421156313515652024-02-18T09:56:00.002-05:002024-02-18T09:56:19.705-05:00<p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>15 Years Later</b></span></p><p>Here I am - alive, well, and enjoying retired life with my husband of 46 years and my expanded family of 4 darling grandchildren, ages 5 and younger.</p><p>I still have the side effects from Tamoxifen withdrawal. My chest scars and tattooed dots are constant reminders of my journey, but I am so so grateful to be alive. So many others have not been so lucky. </p><p>God is good…</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6706970864451236816.post-62852447885091373052017-05-19T09:38:00.002-04:002017-05-19T09:38:31.758-04:00My REALLY Final SurgeryIt has been sometime since the breast skin revision, which had its challenges post-operatively. I had another infection, which took some extra time to heal, and because of the radiated breast skin, the suture line was not quite as pretty as the non-radiated breast. But at least no cancer worries any more or so I thought.<br />
<br />
The Tamoxifen used to prevent the hormone-related breast cancer, can also cause an overgrowth of uterine tissue and some small percentage of users get a second cancer in their uterus. While I was actively taking the medication, I had two biopsies, both negative. Since then, I have needed two D&Cs due to continued abnormal growth of the tissue. Both biopsies showed dysplasia, often a gateway to cancer. So the decision was made to remove the uterus, Fallopian tubes, ovaries, and cervix. Two days ago I had the surgery. All is well. I will know biopsy results in the next few weeks.<br />
<br />
I am home and comfortable and hope to heal without complications...and hopefully this was really the FINAL surgery!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6706970864451236816.post-19282049687530956352015-09-01T19:37:00.001-04:002015-09-01T19:37:32.218-04:00My Final Surgery 13 Months Later?It has been some time since I wrote my last entry. Last year was just rough and tough. The stress and physical changes took their toll physically and mentally. I am hellbent on starting this Jewish New Year (September 13 eve) with a final body shape and a new mental outlook. In this effort, I scheduled my final breast-related surgery tomorrow. Because the extenders did not work, the extra skin that was there for my new Foobies (fake breasts) needs to be removed, and that is what will happen tomorrow.<br />
<br />
When I started this journey in September 2008, on the first day of Rosh Hashanah, I never dreamed I would be going through all of this and for this long. There has been days of happiness for not having a cancer recurrence, and days of sadness and depression from the loss of my breasts and the change in my body image, not that it was so great to start with.<br />
<br />
So off to prepare for tomorrow I go....Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6706970864451236816.post-50923443960721808762014-11-19T09:08:00.000-05:002014-11-19T20:39:27.325-05:00After Treatment - The Next ChapterI always wondered what would happen after I stopped the Tamoxifen. No one I spoke to could really define if it had changed their lives in anyway. In January 2014, five years and four months after my initial diagnosis, I stopped the Tamoxifen. <br />
<br />
At first, nothing seemed to changed too much with the exception of one less pill to take per day. March was a busy month - our daughter was getting married, work was quite stressful, and my 88 year old father's health was turning downward. <br />
<br />
It was during this time, that my family noticed some changes in me that I did not recognize or even realize that continue today, ten months later. I had had an initial bout of vertigo, confirmed by my physician and an ENT doc, that sent me reeling for a few days after waking up one night from a deep sleep with a vasovagal response - my body felt cold and hot simultaneously and I was dizzy and nauseous. I thought I would die. It was terribly frightening. <br />
<br />
After that event, I started to have a slight head tremor and my speech articulation changed. I started having balancing issues - having to hold onto a bannister whenever I went up and down stairs. Prior to this, I was able to bounce up and down stairs without holding onto anything. When I went up the stairs at night, it was like dragging 200 pound weights in each leg - a real effort. The balance issues have improved since then.<br />
<br />
I had my yearly physical in April, and nothing untoward showed up - all labwork was normal.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);">Even the neurological testing in the doctor's office was normal. However, the symptoms continued. In June, I started having bleeding from my right nipple out of nowhere. I went to the breast surgeon, had an ultrasound, another mammogram, and an MRI, but nothing conclusive could be determined.</span><br />
<br />
In July, I went to neurologist to get an answer to these neurological changes once and for all. He told me I had either a neurological problem or a neurological response to another problem. I had a brain MRI (to look for brain tissue problems) as well as an MRA (to check out my brain circulation). Both were perfectly normally for my age. There was no evidence of tumors or blockages or past "events." A neurological disease was ruled out. The mystery continues. I have an appointment next February 2015 (earliest appointment I could get) with a tremor specialist.<br />
<br />
In late July, with the nipple bleeding continuing, I chose to have a double mastectomy, a decision made years before, after the last time I had breast surgery for left breast nipple bleeding. The continued stress of breast issues and remembering my Mom died of breast mets made the decision easy. The plan was to remove both breasts, have expanders inserted during the surgery, and then replace the expanders with implants.<br />
<br />
The surgery went well, but recovery did not. The day after the surgery, my father died. I had drains in for six weeks. On top of that, because I had radiation in the left breast five years before, the breast "rejected" the alloderm lining and the expander. After 13 weeks, I am still not healed in that breast. The right breast healed completely, but slowly - I contracted an e.coli infection in that breast from the hospital. Three weeks after the surgery, I was back in the hospital on three super antibiotics trying to get things on track, but I was going nowhere. On the third day of hospitalization, I asked the surgeon to remove the expanders, and I started feeling better immediately. <br />
<br />
The weakness from surgery continued for weeks. When I went back to work, I eased in slowly - everyone being quite understanding of my limitations. I still have excess skin on my breasts, based on the fact that I was planning to have implants, that I will have to have removed in the future. At this point, my breasts look like cinnamon rolls without the icing. The good news is that there was no cancer. The ultimate goal!<br />
<br />
Did going off the Tamoxifen cause the nipple bleeding? Did it cause the neurological changes? I don't know, but I speculate the timing and the fact that the MRIs were negative, it could have. I hope to know more in February. Stay tuned for my next blog...Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6706970864451236816.post-26115832156194427982013-12-24T09:14:00.001-05:002013-12-24T09:14:59.820-05:0011 Days Left Until Treatment EndsAfter doing my own research, I have decided not to prolong the Tamoxifen treatment. There just isn't enough research supporting the benefits for DCIS prevention at this time. I am hoping that when the treatment ends, my skin issues will go away. I will be able to more easily lose weight, and I am sure there were other side effects that insidiously creeped up on me that may disappear. <div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I would be lying if I said there isn't a bit of fear without the Tamoxifen that has been a shield of armor to protect me these past five years, but I have to hope that my body's immune system is stronger than any cancer cell, and that family history does not repeat itself.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Wishing all who read this is a joyous holiday and a very happy and HEALTHY 2014! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6706970864451236816.post-68310218261531339202013-06-18T09:48:00.000-04:002013-06-18T10:31:30.205-04:00To Continue or Not to Continue...That is the Question<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ov2iYPmVenM/UcBjZi1u19I/AAAAAAAAAKg/czX6Hfovt20/s1600/qm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" cya="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ov2iYPmVenM/UcBjZi1u19I/AAAAAAAAAKg/czX6Hfovt20/s1600/qm.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
I'm less than 6 months away from the end of the Tamoxifen Hormone Therapy. I have been looking forward to January 9, 2014 for a long time. While I haven't had severe reactions to the medication, I have experienced all the symptoms of estrogen depletion, and some are not all that comfortable. It has been fun to imagine all the positive changes once the therapy ends. So, you can imagine my surprise when the oncologist suggested moving forward with another 5 year course of Tamoxifen or another similar medication after this first course completes.<br />
<br />
Her logic makes sense. New studies support extended hormone therapy to reduce the risk of recurrence with death for those of us who have had DCIS. Even though the percentage is small, no one knows which person is going to be in that cohort. Why take the risk if I did so well with the Tamoxifen? The other medication causes Osteoporosis, so I would need to have more dexascans done to stay on top of it,<br />
<br />
She says we'll discuss it again in October when I go back for my next visit. I will have had a new dexa scan and mammogram just before that visit, and we'll make the decision at that time. <br />
<br />
If any of you have been presented with this option, I'd love to hear what you have done and why? Happy Summer!<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6706970864451236816.post-46097510356622857202012-12-20T08:23:00.000-05:002012-12-20T08:23:38.820-05:00Happy Holidays!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-snBB_Bo7koA/UNMRGDmMNkI/AAAAAAAAAJg/6HMYKP6I4KU/s1600/new+year.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-snBB_Bo7koA/UNMRGDmMNkI/AAAAAAAAAJg/6HMYKP6I4KU/s1600/new+year.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The holidays are upon us. There is much to be grateful for as we head into 2013. Wishing everyone a happy and HEALTHY New Year!<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6706970864451236816.post-70065691620787377512012-10-24T12:37:00.001-04:002012-10-24T12:37:05.494-04:00Four Years and CountingAnother great mammogram and another great oncology visit! Everything is status quo, and the oncologist says only 1 years and 3 months to go on the Tamoxifen. I started January 9, 2009 and will end on January 9, 2014. It really has gone faster than I could imagine.<br />
<br />
On another note, I rarely think about the cancer anymore except for mammogram and oncology visit time, which is the same time as Pinktober. It is only when someone starts talking about cancer, or I see something in the media that sparks my thoughts. <br />
<br />
When I was first diagnosed, the breast cancer surgeon told me that this will only be a bump in the road of my life's journey. I am really starting to believe it!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6706970864451236816.post-71128639747562895262012-07-12T11:31:00.002-04:002012-12-20T10:59:09.918-05:00Another Biopsy in Two WeeksI have been on Tamoxifen for 3.5 years. Only another 1.5 years and I'm off...finally! However, one of the side effects has been an overgrowth of the uterine endometrial lining. A year ago, I had a pelvic sonogram due to this, and it was recommended that I have a biopsy since it is not uncommon to get uterine cancer from this. About six weeks ago, I had another sonogram, because of lower abdominal pain. It showed that the lining was even thicker than it was a year ago. Again, the Gyn feels I need another biopsy. It's the only way to know that I am healthy. I hope that this will be the last one...it was quite painful the last time. Only two weeks to angst over this...<br />
<br />
Update: Biopsy was negative. YAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYY!!!<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6706970864451236816.post-71723581277072188072012-05-30T10:14:00.002-04:002012-12-20T11:01:00.176-05:00Mother's Day May 13, 2012 - 22 Years Later<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Cz7_EqbqEno/T8YqIJWIIhI/AAAAAAAAAIo/_UqdplX6lHs/s1600/mail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" rba="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Cz7_EqbqEno/T8YqIJWIIhI/AAAAAAAAAIo/_UqdplX6lHs/s1600/mail.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
My mother died of breast cancer mets on Mother's Day, May 13, 1990. This year, the dates coincided for another very sad Mother's Day. However...the day was made brighter. My daughter, living in Chicago, invited all of us to her place for the weekend. Part of the weekend was participation in the Y-Me annual walk (see picture). Y-Me is a wonderful organization that provides women with breast cancer a 24 hour hotline for support and answering questions. It has become a lifeline for women with nowhere else to turn. <br />
<br />
There were tens of thousands of partipants walking the 3 mile journey through Millenium Park in the heart of Chicago. The weather was glorious. The atmosphere was charged. The first time I walked a breast cancer event, it was emotionally painful. I was with other survivors and we were all sharing stories, and I just cried...for my mother and for myself. I swore I would never do another walk again. It was just too difficult.<br />
<br />
However, my daughter had taken up the cause since my diagnosis in late 2008, and I could not say "No" to her. She cares too much. Her boyfriend's family joined us, which helped to make the walk more fun. It ended up being a joyous day - with a beautiful brunch to follow the event and a weekend of total frivolity and family love. It doesn't get much better than that.<br />
<br />
Update: Not long after the walk, Y-Me mysteriously disappeared off the Internet; their offices shut down too. Wonder where all the money we collected went?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6706970864451236816.post-81751519184337420442012-03-26T08:05:00.002-04:002012-03-26T08:05:44.368-04:006 Months LaterEverything is going well. My cancer breast has really shrunk in size after all these months between the surgeries and the radiation. I call it "Mini-Me." It's better than crying, right? I tend to cover my chest with sweaters or jackets so no one call really tell.<br />
<br />
In January, I decided to bite the bullet, and make life all about me instead of pleasing everyone else. I went on Weight Watchers, and have done very well. I try to stick to organic foods, and have concentrated more on fruits and vegetables, although I do have to have one sweet per day. I also give myself weekly manicures and exercise more than I used to. So often, we live to make everyone else happy, but exclude ourselves in the process...not anymore. I count too!<br />
<br />
In two weeks, I go back to the oncologist for my 6 month checkup. Only 20 more months of Tamoxifen and that part of my life is over. I don't think about the cancer as much anymore, unless someone mentions someone who was recently diagnosed or died from it.<br />
<br />
I am hoping by living a cleaner and healthier lifestyle that I keep the beast away. In the meantime, it feels great to be good to me!!!<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6706970864451236816.post-86823151892930944092011-11-28T10:56:00.000-05:002011-11-28T10:56:50.034-05:003 Years and CountingLately, 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.<br />
<br />
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!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6706970864451236816.post-30336829265632406442011-10-04T10:22:00.000-04:002011-10-04T10:22:45.294-04:00Pinktober and Mammogram<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zi3o3ezWkhA/TosWlWx_cvI/AAAAAAAAAHo/Mgd2gnGsars/s1600/IMG00020-20101003-0826.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" kca="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zi3o3ezWkhA/TosWlWx_cvI/AAAAAAAAAHo/Mgd2gnGsars/s320/IMG00020-20101003-0826.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">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!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">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!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>May next year bring me continued good news... Happy Pinktober everyone!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6706970864451236816.post-28590046777374152772011-07-28T08:14:00.000-04:002011-07-28T08:14:12.315-04:00Summertime and the Living is EasyI 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. <br />
<br />
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. <br />
<br />
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.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6706970864451236816.post-80286528405028961902011-05-04T17:08:00.003-04:002011-05-04T17:10:43.856-04:002-1/2 Years LaterIn 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!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6706970864451236816.post-78132033718748287832010-10-11T10:43:00.002-04:002010-10-11T10:44:25.943-04:00Two Year Oncology VisitMore good news. My oncology visit was short and sweet. The blood work was perfect and coupled with my good mammogram last Friday, it doesn't get better than this. I'm to continue with the Tamoxifen. Next appointment is in six months.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6706970864451236816.post-19886116122065113292010-10-11T10:34:00.002-04:002010-10-11T10:42:50.459-04:00Stepping Out for Breast Cancer LuncheonYesterday, I attended a beautiful luncheon sponsored by the "Stepping Out for Breast Cancer" organization. This all volunteer organization was created 13 years ago (I hope I have the right time frame) to provide services and improve the lives of women with breast cancer in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. All of their funding goes to services - most unusual in these times.<br /><br />Thanks to Lynn Kay, my college roommate and very dear friend, who works selflessly for this organization and many others for inviting me to attend. The room was filled with pink - flowers, balloons, chocolate lollipops, pink cupcakes, and pink sherbert. There were wonderful vendors who graciously donated a portion of profits for the cause, but more importantly, the room was filled with women of all ages who believe in finding a cure.<br /><br />Dr. Rachel Brem from George Washington University Hospital was the guest speaker and caught everyone up to date with the latest radiation technologies used to diagnose breast cancer earlier and more accurately. <br /><br />A wonderful afternoon for a wonderful cause!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6706970864451236816.post-20199516290247483782010-10-04T08:24:00.007-04:002010-10-04T08:48:50.719-04:00Race for the Cure 2010<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GEk9uJ_0Llk/TKnIhPHrVDI/AAAAAAAAAG4/uFMCgOlctaE/s1600/race+for+the+cure.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524166891266593842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GEk9uJ_0Llk/TKnIhPHrVDI/AAAAAAAAAG4/uFMCgOlctaE/s200/race+for+the+cure.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center"></div><div></div><div>On Friday, I had my 2nd survivor year mammogram and all was good! This was the first time in years I only needed one set of films and now I don't have to go back for another year. So sweet! Prior to the exam, I made a promise to myself that if all was well, I'd participate in the Race for the Cure. Oh...way before, I had signed up and had received my dark pink t-shirt with the words Survivor on it, but could not get the nerve to go. But now I had no excuse. All was going well. I had a lot to be grateful for and it was time to show it!</div><br /><div></div><div>My dear friend, Sharon, kept encouraging me to go with her. She had participated for the past 3 years, and found it to be an inspiring event. So at 5:45 AM yesterday, we headed off to the local Lowe's to catch a shuttle bus to the event. It was dark and cold, but so exciting! There were tents everywhere. Women dressed in pink as survivors and white as supporters. </div><div></div><div>At 6:40 AM, all the survivors walked together in between 2 pink ribbons toward a large grandstand, where we were each given a beautiful pink rose. All of us had the number of years of survival in pink ribbons on our hats, and together many of us cried as we stood together and looked out at all the people who offered their love and support to all of us who had heard the devestating diagnosis and endured the many different treatment paths. I cried for my mother and others, who was not fortunate enough to be alive now when all these wonderful diagnostic tools and treatments were available. I also cried in happiness that someone like Nancy Brinker had the motivation, knowledge, and connections to make breast cancer survival a priority and has not faltered a day in making it a reality through the Susan B. Komen foundation.</div><div> </div><div></div><div>Thousands and thousands of supports and survivors ran or walked together (see picture). At the end, I was encouraged to walk on the left side of the road and instead of pink ribbons, there were rows of people slapping my hands in celebration. It was a beautiful moment and beautiful day. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6706970864451236816.post-14846762263280041632010-08-22T19:11:00.002-04:002010-08-22T19:14:47.124-04:00Almost at the 2 Year MarkIt's hard to believe it's been almost 2 years since my breast cancer diagnosis. Except for the hot flashes from the Tamoxifen and a tinier breast, I really don't think about it much. <br /><br />However, in early October, I'll have my next mammogram, and I'll be praying that everything will be fine. Before that, I'll have a pelvic sonogram to make sure that the Tamoxifen isn't causing any problems with my uterus, another side effect of the drug. <br /><br />I'll try not to worry before then, and just go from day to day grateful for what I have and all I have to look forward to.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6706970864451236816.post-61894476434329942742010-04-27T21:42:00.002-04:002010-04-27T21:53:54.528-04:00Changes are ForeverI'm still feeling like I'm in a good place in my life. My health has been stable for a few months. I really like my new job - the commute is much less stressful; the work is interesting; and the people are lovely.<br /><br />In two months, I am looking forward to attending my oldest daughter's MBA graduation in Chicago. I'll meet up with a fellow breast cancer survivor, who happens to be the aunt of my daughter's boyfriend, and whom I've gotten to know during this past year, as I supported her through her journey with surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. We'll both hug and feel grateful we can share in a joyous family occasion together - celebrating the spirit of living with the breast cancer diagnosis behind us.<br /><br />In the beginning, I thought about the cancer every hour of every day. Survivors told me it would get better. It was hard to imagine at the time. I sought the solace of support groups and read anything I could get my hands on regarding my diagnosis, treatment, physical and psychological outcomes. I was consumed, and the knowledge eased my angst.<br /><br />Slowly, as the seasons changed, the focus turned toward living and not just surviving. Sure, there are days when I think of what it was like, but more days I think of what will be - the future, retirement, grandchildren...all those things I've always dreamed about.<br /><br />So, if you are reading this and just starting your journey, be assured that time does bring forth joy in the morning, and that what you are going through now will hopefully be a distant memory as the months roll by. And if you find you need a little extra support, email me at <a href="mailto:joannklein@gmail.com">joannklein@gmail.com</a>. Pay it forward...the dividends are priceless.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6706970864451236816.post-81648844172916616702010-04-12T12:19:00.003-04:002010-04-12T12:22:08.599-04:00Today's Oncology VisitAll is well. The blood work was perfect. The only thing the oncologist mentioned was that because my December surgery for the breast duct excision showed that the tissue was atypical, usually a precursor to cancer, but not a surprise since they already found cancer in the breast, that the breast will need to be watched closely - every 6 month visits with her and yearly mammograms. She feels strongly that the Tamoxifen will prevent a further recurrence and that the five years will cover a lifetime, based on research. I'm lucky since I tolerate Tamoxifen well. So I feel quite blessed today and grateful for good medical care.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6706970864451236816.post-43469999590803473932010-04-11T19:04:00.002-04:002010-04-11T19:06:28.047-04:00Another Checkup in the MorningIt's hard to believe that it's time for another checkup with the oncologist tomorrow. Last week, I had bloodwork done, and tomorrow, everything else gets evaluated. I feel confident that all is well, but I can't help worrying that the bloodwork will show that my liver is being affected by the Tamoxifen. In addition, my skin on my radiated boob continues to either rash or itch. I'll be glad when the visit is over.<br /><br />In the meantime, my new job is going well. Shorter commute and less responsibility = less stress, and that's a good thing for sure.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6706970864451236816.post-82031641166860412122010-03-16T21:23:00.001-04:002010-03-16T21:26:10.976-04:00On to a New JobI really enjoyed the 2 weeks off between jobs. I made sure to catch up with old friends and pace myself enough to get the rest the time off was intended for. It's amazing how fast vacations are and how slow workdays are...big smile.<br /><br />This week I started my new job, which is with an employer I worked for 4-1/2 years ago. The tasks are similar to my last job, just 1/10 of the responsibility. Breast cancer has a way of making you re-evaluate what is important in life, and it certainly isn't working yourself to death! <br /><br />STRESS must be reduced. STRESS must be on the bottom of your list of priorities. Therefore, you have to make it happen. I'm pleased with myself and my decision. I hope I'm right.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6706970864451236816.post-31986341066876589142010-02-26T12:03:00.002-05:002010-02-26T12:08:24.850-05:00Today is My Last Day at Work!No, it's not forever, but the breast cancer diagnosis did cause me to reflect on living the best life for the best prognosis over time. One of the items on this bucket list is to reduce all sources of stress. I loved what I did at work. I was creating something that would benefit thousands of people. It was successfully deployed, but the stress of getting there was akin to being in labor for unrelenting hours. There is no way it can't affect you over time.<br /><br />Call it karma, but a similar job was offered to me with the pieces of my job I liked the most, and considerably less responsibility. I grabbed it. For now, I'll enjoy my last day at work. Then I'm taking a couple of weeks off to decompress, before I start the new position. During that time, I'll play with friends I haven't had the opportunity to see for a long time. I'll make up for some of that time lost to stress, and I'll embrace life again.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6706970864451236816.post-17994646031775734812010-02-07T10:49:00.002-05:002010-02-07T10:51:07.070-05:00Finally Healed!I'm happy to say that the nipple wound is now healed, and hopefully this will be the end of the breast issues. It's a new year, and I'm hoping a healthier one! <br /><br />On another note, we have just experienced an epic snowstorm - 23" in our backyard. Taking a look at its untouched beauty in the sunlight makes you appreciate how lucky you are to be alive!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0