Sending healing thoughts this holiday season

Hello @lisakinpa

I appreciate your lovely message and the reminder to take it one breath at a time and to give thanks. What a great message for the holidays! I'm sure that getting a breast cancer diagnosis during the holidays was difficult and this time of year undoubtedly brings back many memories.

How are you doing now?

I too went through bc during the holiday season. Diagnosed in September and my first chemo treatment on December 23rd. I didn’t know what to expect and was scared to death, I can tell you all that beating bc has allot to do with positivity. If you stay positive, no matter how hard it may seem(and it is hard) you find the fight is a little easier. You take each day a step at a time, give yourself a pat on the back for each treatment you tolerated, and you too will find some comfort in knowing they do come to an end eventually. If I can ease one persons fear with this post I am blessed.

Happy Holidays to everyone!

Merry Christmas to you all ❤️🙏🏼🎄🎅🏼❤️

Thank you for asking. I’m doing well. I still see both my oncologist and breast surgeon every six months along with having the routine bloodwork. I’m told this is the standard of care until the five year mark. Then we’ll switch to yearly appointments.

I’m back to having my yearly screening mammogram which, actually, was rather a surprise to me. I thought as a breast cancer survivor I would now receive diagnostic mammograms rather than the screening. But once again, I’m told that this is the standard of care confirmed by the American College of Radiology.

Fortunately, because I use the medical center’s portal, I usually receive the results the same day. Still can be a nerve wracking experience. I guess it always will.

And lastly, I have Zometa infusions every six months to protect against bone loss while taking an aromatase inhibitor.

I have the occasional aches and pains but at 64, most of that is normal.

I am a strong believer in having a healthy diet and exercise. I walk a lot and also love Zumba although I take a low impact class.

There are times when I fear a recurrence but I tend to think that “it is what it is.” I’m doing everything I can to ward off a recurrence but will face it just as I did before if or when it happens. ♥️

@lisakinpa,

Your positive attitude and acceptance of where you are now, is so helpful! Your words can express hope to others who are just beginning their journey with cancer.

I wish you a happy new year!

@lisakinpa My have my first AC chemo session tomorrow morning and it’s hard to believe it’s a holiday week. We’re (meaning my husband and I) are as ready as we’ll ever be. It’ll be good to get one behind us instead of continuing to think about and prepare. Thanks for your encouragement. It make me feel less alone.

Welcome to Mayo Connect, @marciapell. I'm glad that you found this online support group. I know you will find support here from members like @lisakinpa, @trixie1313, @auntieoakley and @cindylb.

Have you already had other treatments such as surgery or radiation?

So glad I could ease your mind a little.

I’ve been taking Letrozole and have ER+ PR+ HER2- invasive ductal cancer also in lymph nodes with Oncotype DX score of 28. I’m doing ACT chemo first in hopes of having a more minimal surgery. After 5.5 months of chemo I’ll have surgery and radiation. I stopped taking Letrozole now that I’m starting chemo.
Thanks for the support! I’ve learned so much already.