I still have a lot of fear of what the future may hold. There is no guarantee on life, I totally get that, it's just more in your face when you have a cancer diagnosis. I'm trying to not be consumed by fear as much and live every day to the fullest. Will there be a day in the future that I don't think about cancer? Probably not. But I don't think about it all day, like I did a year ago.
I am considered NED for now. (No evidence of disease.) I will be monitored for the rest of my life. The 5 year mark is really a big milestone with this type of cancer, but even after hitting it, I will be monitored. I am taking tamoxifen to block what little hormone the cancer did respond to, and I will be on it for the next 10 years. That seems so far off, but I will be excited to get to those milestones.
With all that being said, I owe a lot of Thank Yous for this past year. Thank you to God for healing me and for getting me and my family through this year. Thank you to Brian for being a total rock for our family and being my cheerleader all day, every day. Thank you to my mom for stepping in and doing so much for us. Taking care of the boys, cleaning our house, cooking, the list goes on. Thank you to all of my family who checked on me and sent cards (Mildred), and who were just so sweet. Thank you to my sweet friends who texted, called, took my kids home from school, came and sat at the hospital during my mastectomy, and reassured me that I could get through this. And thanks to everyone who prayed for us, made meals for us, checked on us, and just showered us with kindness through the year.
I went on Thursday for a mammogram and ultrasound on the right (noncancer) side. The doctor reviewed the mammogram and decided that there was nothing of concern, and it was not too dense for her liking, so I didn't have to have the ultrasound. That was a first. I also had a follow up with my radiation oncologist that day. He told me, "I give you a clean bill of health. You do not need to follow up with me anymore." And he complimented my scar and lack of scarring from radiation. It may sound like a weird compliment, but I'll take it. :-) I got to see all my favorite radiation people and I even ran into my favorite nurse from upstairs while I was in the building.
I am on an every 3 month rotation with my oncologist. I'll see her again at the end of January. I will also see my surgeon the same day to plan/schedule the mastectomy of the right side for sometime soon, hopefully.
Dear 2016, I hate you. Bye.
Here's to a healthy, happy 2017 and beyond!
