Not all cancer is created equal and therefore all treatments are different. I have been very open about my experience, but I know that even with my openness, I still have family and friends that are left with questions. I try to reassure them that it is ok to ask those questions. Sometimes what we imagine is much worse than reality. I wanted to write a quick update on my treatment and for those who are left with questions, please go right ahead and ask them.
About 6 weeks ago I finished chemotherapy treatment. While I am elated to be done, I still have a few lingering side effects. I mainly suffer from nausea and fatigue, but every week I feel the side effects less and less. The chemo I was given was more preventative in nature. There are no tests to perform to see if it worked. In 5 years if I'm cancer-free, then it worked. If not well...let's hope there is no "if not."
Next week I will have surgery to hopefully finish reconstruction after my double mastectomy last December. The surgery is expected to be very easy in comparison to December's procedure and I hope to be ready to join you for coffee, tea, or a more adult beverage very soon. Maybe I'll even have hair by then.
In three weeks I will start tamoxifen. Tamoxifen blocks the activity of estrogen in my body, reducing the risk that the cancer will reoccur. Estrogen is the food that fueled my tumor. I get to take tamoxifen for 5-10 years. Yes, you read that right, "I get to." It was recommended that my mom go on tamoxifen, but she decided not to. After 9 months of chemo, she was done with medicines and drugs that gave her similar side effects. After finishing chemo, my mom didn't live 5-10 years. I am once again learning from her experience. I don't see this medicine as an option, I see it as a privilege. It is another opportunity for me to live a long fulfilling life. I plan on getting remarried when I'm 80, and tamoxifen is going to help me get there.
While chemo is finished, the journey continues, and I welcome it. I welcome every hot flash and mood swing, because it means I am alive. <--------- And when I get tired, sick, or sad someone remind me of that line right there.
In about a month, I hope to be in a nice routine into my new life, my second chance. And I look forward to sharing the everyday strides of life with you too.
As always, thank you for your continued love and support.
