It's Been A Year Now.......

I hardly know where to begin; but, yes, it was a year ago tomorrow that I was diagnosed with Stage II Breast Cancer. Even now, it sometimes seems unreal.......like something I dreamed. It's true what they say..........you never think it will happen to you. Maybe later in life, but not at the age of forty-two.......And now that it has, I catch myself wondering if I learned everything the Lord wanted me to. Am I a better person? A better Christian? I would like to think that I am.

At some point in the near future, I would really like to put my thoughts and feelings into writing; but right now, I just don't have the time. Maybe after I get my taxes done I'll be able to do that. Right now, I want to give you the details of my appointments this past week with my surgeon and my oncologist...

I had my mammogram last Thursday, and met with my surgeon, Dr. Habal on Monday morning. He said that there was absolutely no areas of suspicion on my mammogram, and he was pleased with how I continue to heal. The plan is for me to see him every six months for the time being and to have my mammogram once a year.

I also had a chest CT last Thursday. My scans were repeated around the first of November after I finished radiation. My chest CT showed some "opacities" that were unidentifiable. They appeared to be the beginning of some type of lung infection or pneumonia, but could not be ruled out as metastases. My oncologist put me on an antibiotic, and it was suggested to repeat the CT again in three to four months. I have to admit, I was really worried about that one.

I met with my oncologist, Dr. White, after seeing Dr. Habal. She let me know that all of the spots had disappeared and that my CT was completely clear! I hadn't realized how nervous I was about it until then. We then discussed her plans for me as well:

My Herceptin treatments are supposed to be for one year. My first one was on April 30th with chemo, and I've had one every three weeks since then. I have two more scheduled for April 4th and April 25th. Because Herceptin can weaken my heart, I've been having routine echocardiograms; but Dr. White told me that I would only have to have one more and that would be it. Because I have chosen to keep my infusaport for the time being, I will have to have it flushed by the chemo nurses once every three months.

I will continue to take my prescription, Arimedex, for five years. Because this drug can cause osteoporosis, I will have a bone density test every two years. I just had one a few months ago, so I'm good for awhile. I told Dr. White that this prescription is causing me a lot of joint pain and stiffness, and she recommended that I start taking glucosamine to help it.

I also had labs drawn Monday. Almost every single thing was within normal limits! I will continue to see Dr. White every six months just like Dr. Habal. I am scheduled to see my radiologist in June. I don't know whether or not she'll want to continue seeing me.

I'm having a little more swelling in my right arm than I usually have, so I'm thinking about scheduling a couple of therapy appointments next week. Other than that, it's about the same. I continue to wear my sleeve, and it continues to be sore in some places and numb in others. It aches sometimes but nothing like it used to.

So, that's the latest. I can't think of anything I've left out. Thank you so very much for taking this journey with me. Family and friends have made it so much easier. My heart goes out to my friends who are still receiving their treatments. Hang in there. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. Chemo will end. Your hair will grow back. And you'll eventually get your life back. And if you ever have a day that you doubt that, just call me and I'll remind you.

Until next time,

Cindy