I am long overdue to update my blog. Much has happened in the almost two months since I last posted. And I am happy to say it is all good news! :) So, I left off when I was still going through radiation. Thankfully, I have completed all 30 treatments. :)
They started off with not much as far as pain goes, but by the second week, I was very red. By the third week, I was waking up in the night because it felt like my skin was on fire. And at the end, I had begun to peel. The worst of it seemed to be in the area in which the tumor was located. Fatigue was also a major side effect. By 7:30 p.m. every night I was ready for bed. I also had to wear this soft barrier called mepilex in between my arm and radiated area under my armpit every time I worked because the rubbing caused so much pain (due to the burns).
Fortunately, my skin has come back healthy and smooth and my energy is back. The only real indication that I even had radiation is the tanning of my skin that will more than likely remain for quite some time. But now I can breathe. :)
I AM IN REMISSION!!!!
After radiation and school ended, and Christmas past, I took about eight days off from work to just RELAX. I had been going non-stop for two long and tiring months and I just need to have a week to do nothing. Alan and I had another great Christmas together. :) We went to two Christmas parties at his aunt's house and spent about a week at his parent's house. Our friend Lexi took some Christmas pictures of us and they turned out amazing!! Thank you Lexi! :) We rang in the New Year with friends, played Cranium and Clue, ate all kinds of food, and drank champagne as the ball dropped. It was a lot of fun and I have had a wonderful 2011! :)
So, what has been going on this year? Lots of follow-up appointments and testing.
I started taking Tamoxifen to help block estrogen. There are a lot of potential side effects that can occur by taking the medicine, but the benefits outweight those side effects. So far I haven't had any problems with it.
I had a Pap, an ultrasound of my pelvis (uterus, ovaries, endometrial lining), and a mammogram done this month. All came back normal and I am very grateful for that!
This Friday I am having physical fitness assessment and meeting with a nutritionist to help guide me back to a healthier lifestyle. I gained about 25 lbs last year and I really want to take that weight off and then some. I'm ready for that change! As a motivator, Alan told me that when I lose the weight I want to, he will buy me a dog (from a shelter, of course!). I have been wanting a dog for years. And that dog could go walking/running with me! :)
Next month, I am attending the Conference for Young Women affected by breast cancer in Orlando, Florida. My mum, Aunt Stef, and cousin Theresa will all be joining me. I can't wait!! We will be going to Magic Kingdom and Epcot the day before the conference starts, which will be so much fun!
So that's pretty much what's been going on with me. :) I am happy and healthy, by the grace of God and thanks to all of you!
