Less than six months ago I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I had 82 grams removed from my breast. The cancer found its way into my lymph nodes. What a journey it has been. It seems like years. Learning how to dance in the storm rather than waiting for it to pass has been a priority. I am still learning how to dance.
Chemo this morning and radiation this evening. We went out for lunch after chemo now that I'm on the shortened, no big side effects chemicals. A nice lunch we had...so nice that dinner was not required this evening! We try to have some fun after each session and generally speaking we are usually quite successful.
Five days left of radiation. Today they started the radiation boost. This targets the area in the breast where the cancerous spots were removed rather than the whole breast. I have joked with a few people at work that if they see something pink on the ground they shouldn't step on it, and call me quickly. It's probably my nipple. Five more days and it might fall off! If all goes according to plan, next Thursday will be my last day. YEAH!!!
I was given some roses from the gal I have tried to support through this ordeal. She told me she had her second "big" chemo today and did okay. Her spirits were up. What a change in her from when we first met! The technician thanked me today. I asked, "For what?" He replied , "For being here for her."
All that strength, support, and cheering from you, enabled me to enable her. She too will learn how to dance in the storm.
Make Pink Tough and Expect Great Things
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Almost there Mom, Thursday will come before you know it. Now you'll finally be able to get home from work and relax or do something fun. It's awesome to hear that your positive attitude has rubbed off on another woman :-D I love YOU.
ReplyDeleteP.S. Great shot of tucker in the 350z how'd you manage to get that shot, looks professional!
Dear Leah,
ReplyDeleteMy cancer survivor friend at work gave me a copy of this, her niece wrote it for her when she was diagnosed. I want to share this with you as I think it is wonderful and so true.
When do you become a Survivor?
Is it in the recovery room after surgery,
Or the long sleepless nights before hand?
Maybe it's when you are healing at home,
Or the first of many trips to chemo or
radiation?
Could it be when your hair begins to fall
out,
Or when all your hair is gone?
When do you become a survivor?
Is it when you don't have the strength to
get out of bed,
Or when you cry all night before a test?
Maybe it's when you begin to feel better,
Or a visit or phone call from a friend
that makes you smile?
Could it be when you are halthy enough to
rejoin the world,
Or when the Dr. says there is no sign of
cancer.
When do you become a survivor?
You become a survivor as soon as you
hear the words,
"I'm sorry, but you have cancer."
You become a survivor when you gather all
your strength to tell your children, your
parents, your sister, your brother.
You become a survivor because you begin
the fight!
written by,
Cindy Defebaugh
Today is the last radiation day! I am so happy that you are done with that part and you can take that time back in the afternoons. Also, you can heal your burns. Celebrate because you made it past a very big obstacle. Rest.
ReplyDeleteDear Leah,
ReplyDeleteI have missed seeing you at work. I used to assume to you were at work and never worried when you weren't there because well frankly you are always at work. But NOW, I check. I hope you are ok. I have missed seeing your positive energy, your go at it attitude. You have no idea how much you inspire people Leah. I know you are under the weather, but this too shall pass. You just need to take care of you. Hopefully you were able to finish out the last of your burn treatments, and can celebrate today! If you were put on hold, then you can say that your booby needed a break. And now you can move forward again and finish this part of this untelling tough journey you are on.