Cancer (almost) one year later

The photo, at left, was taken of Ariel and I the weekend before my first surgery, last August. I haven’t felt much like writing on my blog lately. I don’t know why. Maybe it’s because I’m in a strange “cancer aftermath” stage. I’m noticing things about life (and my life) that sadden me more than normal. I’m approaching the one-year anniversary (my husband’s birthday, actually), of the day I was told I had cancer. I look back over the last year and I think, “What was THAT all about?” I feel grateful to be alive.

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Give me a head with hair

Okay, I admit that I'm in a silly mood tonight and I noticed that my blog needed some attention. I thought you could all use a break from the usual soul-searching narrative of a former cancer patient. So, I decided to talk about my hair. IT'S GROWING BACK!!! AND I'M SO EXCITED!!! AND THANKFUL!!!

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I'm certifiably "normal"

Well, when it comes to the results of the CYP2D6 test, I'm normal, anyway. What’s a CYP2D6 test? you may ask. It just so happens that I’m quite knowledgeable about it now. If you will recall, my oncologist wrote a prescription for the drug, Tamoxifen, for me to start taking for the next few years. Tamoxifen is a widely-prescribed drug for women who have been treated for hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer (like me).

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Bears and blessings

I had a wonderful Mother’s Day this year. The reason it was wonderful is because I spent it with my favorite people, my family. I had been cooped up in the house for three days with a respiratory bug. And even though I wasn’t completely up to par, I felt well enough to go to church. Afterwards, my husband and daughter took me out for a delicious meal and then we stopped at my mom and dad’s to visit.

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The Big "T"

I had a follow-up appointment with my oncologist, Dr. E., at Swedish Hospital last week. While there, she did a quick exam and answered loads of questions. I also had lab work done, as well as a bone density scan. I found out a few days ago that my bone density scan is normal. On the blood work, I discovered that my vitamin D levels are low, so was advised to double the amount of vitamin D3 that I am currently taking (up to 2,000 units a day). We Pacific Northwesterners are notoriously low on vitamin D due to lack of sunshine. Some studies correlate low vitamin D levels with breast cancer, so that's the reason why I'm being diligent about taking it.

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Cleaning out my closet

Last week was Spring Break for the Mount Vernon School District. Since I work half-time at the high school and half-time for the district office, I had to work 20 hours during the week for my district position. I took my days off at the end of the week so I could have a long weekend. Now, one of the things I’ve learned is NOT to plan on accomplishing much when I have these kind of breaks. I inevitably don’t get everything done and then I beat myself up about it. So, I purposely planned to do NOTHING and give myself a break.

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Train tickets and egg whites

I am thrilled to report that I finished my radiation treatments this week (Monday, March 23, 2009)! Yep, a total of 38 treatments (7-1/2 weeks’ worth) are now behind me! I am incredibly relieved to have the surgeries, chemo, and radiation parts of my treatment behind me. On my last day of treatment, I brought a Snickers cake to my appointment, along with a card for Dr. K. and his staff. They are a great bunch of people whose expertise, compassion, and humor make a difference in many lives. I wanted them to know how thankful I am for that.

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