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!

Two Year Oncology Visit

More 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.

Stepping Out for Breast Cancer Luncheon

Yesterday, 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.

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.

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.

A wonderful afternoon for a wonderful cause!

Race for the Cure 2010

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!

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.

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.

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.

Almost at the 2 Year Mark

It'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.

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.

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.

Changes are Forever

I'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.

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.

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.

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.

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 joannklein@gmail.com. Pay it forward...the dividends are priceless.

Today's Oncology Visit

All 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.

Another Checkup in the Morning

It'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.

In the meantime, my new job is going well. Shorter commute and less responsibility = less stress, and that's a good thing for sure.