Wednesday, February 7, 2018

Happy Anniversary?

Today is the one year anniversary of my breast cancer diagnosis. Not the typical anniversary to celebrate but I'm so grateful to be healthy and cancer free today. So now it's time to post one last blog update.

Much has happened since my update last summer. That bone density "baseline" scan showed that I had both osteopenia and osteoporosis. At 58? It was a huge surprise and it meant a Zometa infusion in July, again last Friday and now twice a year for some time to come.

My oncologist, the amazing Dr. G. explained the long term medication I am now taking will continue to deplete calcium from my bones so it's very important to treat them with Zometa infusions and build up these old bones. It's technically a chemo drug so it's not a day at the beach but it's doable. Dr. G is confident that despite the med he can actually improve the condition of my bones with Zometa so I am thankful for that while still more than a little uncomfortable about side effects.

The long term medication turned out to be Anastrozole and I am now well in my fourth month on it. The side effects had me concerned but are there, but more mild than anticipated. So far, so good.

I didn't update this blog after that first infusion because things were so busy with the house repairs and surprisingly tougher than the first half of the year. From January to June we were so busy and just kept putting one foot in front of the other - from July on the processing began. Survivor guilt is real - losing Wendy as I was recovering was tough. I felt so blessed by friends and family who continued to lift me up with prayer and calls and texts (even to this day Laura!) and that helped so much. Philippians 4 was where I opened my Bible App daily and still do very often. I was regaining the energy that radiation had zapped and weekly Aiden Days always helped bring a smile to my face. That boy is the very best medicine and Marie was so wonderful to keep that up with us when she wasn't  sure I had the energy to be with him by myself. Gus continued to be my ever present walking and snuggle buddy but it was interesting to see that as I healed he hovered over me less and seemed more relaxed. He is such a great pup and remains my little lapdog.

During that time a former neighbor surprised me with a visit and saw the cancer books (amazing Shirley had sent) on the coffee table. She reintroduced me to her good friend who was going through chemo and Wendy and I quickly became walking partners and our own little cancer support group. It's been nice to see that our grand kids take up much more of the conversation these days.

I was fortunate enough to be a part of a Duke pain study for breast cancer patients - it consists of progressive muscle relaxation and guided imagery. It has been really helpful. It's just amazing how much those few minutes can lower pain and center me. Starting Tai Chi with Chris in August has also been great - I find I have much less joint pain since starting. That was the one side effect from the medication they warned me could be the worst so I'm thrilled. It's also been great for balance and flexibility and it's really nice we can do it together.

Chris has been so amazing - so supportive and so patient. I can't imagine going through something like this with anyone else. Even with all the plumbing leaks and contractors issues that we had to deal with last year he was calm and helped me to be calmer. There just aren't words to express what he and our family have been to me. I'm incredibly grateful. I also see how hard it is to be the spouse and/or family of a cancer patient and I hated that. Another piece of guilt to process. It makes that support all the more meaningful.

In December Chris sent me to California to spend time with family and friends. Getting to hug my best girlfriends and catch up with their families was the best. Staying at the Rausch House and binge watching Miranda episodes with Brittany, crashing on a couch catching up with Corrie and Steve and getting to be at a Rausch party after decades made all that time melt away. The Marasinghe's was the same. My Sri Lankan sister Migi her hubby Keith and her daughter Manik are always so gracious and loving. Getting to watch the sun set over the Pacific with Migi and Manik was such a treat and I do believe Corrie has forgiven me for going without her. =D A coffee date and conversation with Ruthe turned into lunch, too. The California fires also started as I arrived and I wasn't able to get up to stay with my Aunt Pat and whale watch but we thankfully had a lunch together. It also meant not getting to see Janet but we got a very long call in and caught up anyway. Walking at the beach, seeing Judy, Duane, Dee and Bob - my aunts and uncles - was wonderful, too. What an amazing and healing gift he gave me.

Christmas Tamale and Crafting with Gabby, Evan and Olive, Christmas Eve Eve with Marc, Marie and Aiden, Christmas Eve with Mom and Dad and family, Christmas Day tamales with family and friends was a blur but felt extra special to be a part of.

January 22nd was my one year chest X-Ray and Mammogram, lab work followed on the 26th. Although I fully expected everything to be fine it was still a big relief to get the all clear last week at the infusion appointment.

The Club No One Wants To Join - well, too many continue to join. Because of Compassion that Compels and my friend Lisa, I was blessed to help deliver a Compassion Bag to sweet, beautiful Debbie. Sharing our experiences made two strangers, sisters in Christ immediately.

Ladies, mammogram or thermography - please just do it. Men, please get regular physicals. My cancer was found at a routine mammogram and I had no symptoms and couldn't feel a lump. Take care of yourselves. If you pray, please pray for Debbie, Alyson and Jacob as they face their own cancers.

Love,

Chacha