Remission + Turning 40
Hello all! It's been a long time since I have posted my progress. I had 2 follow-up doctors appointments; one with my breast cancer surgeon, and the other with my cosmetic surgeon. Both went well. I'm healing nicely and continuously regaining energy. I think I'm finally ready to exit the rollercoaster ride... Time for some smooth sailing.
As of August 19th, my oncologist officially labeled me "in remission." I started taking Tamoxifen that same day, and the aim is to continue taking it for 5 years. I have experienced leg aches and pains, especially first thing in the morning and after sitting for a long periods of time. While not enjoyable, the minor side effects are manageable. Movement alleviates the discomfort, so I try to stay active.
In addition to finishing chemo treatments and finding my new normal... I turned 40! To be honest, I was super bummed at the time of my birthday. The hair on my head was patchy, my eyebrows and eyelashes were nonexistent, and I was feeling crappy and not much like celebrating. I had envisioned a fun party, or trip with friends and family... but I just wasn't up for it. I flip flopped back and forth on what I wanted to do. I had a melt down and decided that I didn't want to do much of anything. Poor husband had to put up with me crying and whining over how I was feeling about how I looked.
Approximately two days after my major meltdown, I must have werewolfed overnight. My eyebrows grew back with a vengeance, and I have had two haircuts since then. I'm feeling and looking more like myself these days, and truly feel lucky to be in remission. To anyone feeling the same despair that I was feeling, please give yourself time.
So, in celebration of my 40th year, I have created a National Breast Cancer Foundation fundraising page. My goal is to raise $400 by December 1, 2016. Please visit my fundraising page.
And if I may end with a bit of advice... If you feel something different with your body, get it checked out as soon as you can.
In addition to finishing chemo treatments and finding my new normal... I turned 40! To be honest, I was super bummed at the time of my birthday. The hair on my head was patchy, my eyebrows and eyelashes were nonexistent, and I was feeling crappy and not much like celebrating. I had envisioned a fun party, or trip with friends and family... but I just wasn't up for it. I flip flopped back and forth on what I wanted to do. I had a melt down and decided that I didn't want to do much of anything. Poor husband had to put up with me crying and whining over how I was feeling about how I looked.
Approximately two days after my major meltdown, I must have werewolfed overnight. My eyebrows grew back with a vengeance, and I have had two haircuts since then. I'm feeling and looking more like myself these days, and truly feel lucky to be in remission. To anyone feeling the same despair that I was feeling, please give yourself time.
So, in celebration of my 40th year, I have created a National Breast Cancer Foundation fundraising page. My goal is to raise $400 by December 1, 2016. Please visit my fundraising page.
And if I may end with a bit of advice... If you feel something different with your body, get it checked out as soon as you can.
You're awesome Jackie. Welcome to the 40s.
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