Happy New Year Everyone!!

Hope this finds everyone fulfilling resolutions, eating healthy, exercising more, organizing etc, etc, etc. 😁

It was one year ago today that my life was changed.  I was sitting at my desk anxiously awaiting a phone call.  I received that call from the hospital mid-afternoon telling me I had breast cancer.  I was not shocked, just very sad and scared.  My life would never be the same and I had many questions and fears.

The next month was a blur.  Between appointments with various doctors and prepping to start chemotherapy I'm glad my husband was there to keep me on task and asking the questions where my mind went blank.

It is surreal to me that I have been at this for one year already.  While it seems a long time, the time has also gone by quickly.  The time has been full of chemotherapy, surgeries, radiation, many, many doctor appointments, physical therapy, illnesses, good times and bad times.  Simply, life changing.

This last few weeks have been a kiddie rollercoaster.  Before the holidays I had a CT scan that was not clear.  I had a second one done to make a clear comparison as there was a "spot" on my lung that could potentially be something or nothing.  The area was still there, and slightly bigger, so I was told to stop taking my chemo pills and have another CT scan done after the holidays.

After a shortened trip to Florida, my refuge, another scan was done and the final conclusion is, it is radiation fibrosis.   (Visible in the top left of the scan.  This is a downward look at my lungs.)  My oncologist, the Director of Fellowship in Hematology and Oncology and Professor of Medicine, talked to the Head of Radiology to verify this.  So, two very smart people agreeing on this makes me happy.  They will continue to monitor it at my 3-month CT scans, but for now he says "live your life".  Good enough for me.

Thank you is not enough to say to everyone.  All of your prayers, cards, gifts, hugs, thoughts, kind words, encouragement, your friendship has gotten us through this very hard year.  I hope to be able to pay this all forward in helping others in my same situation who may not be as fortunate, or just need to talk to someone who understands.

While my treatment continues with my chemo pills, I  am elated to say that I am a one year survivor!!!  My first milestone.

If you haven't checked the girls lately, now is a good time to look at them and give them a once over to make sure everything is okay.

 This is a great source and demonstration of how to do a self exam.