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One year post cancer update
It's been a busy summer for me. I guess I'm back to normal except for having infusions and blood work every 21 days. The good news is I can have a normal life post cancer. In so many ways I'm better than I was a year ago. My first infusion was August 19, '24 my next infusion is August 20,'25. I have one year under my belt.
It's a wait and see game now. In all honesty isn't life just a wait and see game. We can set things up, but we can never predict the outcome.
I think about cancer a lot, but I'm not panicked by it anymore. I'm not going to die of cancer in the near future. I'm more likely to die in a car accident. Physically I feel great. I have sore hips. I think it's just the result of Herceptin and it's not terrible. It's just annoying. It doesn't limit my mobility or range of motion. I'm trying to even find ways to make the soreness feel good by stretching into it every day. My feet have some neuropathy. It often feels like they are tightly wrapped with tape. I do have feeling so I'm not at risk of an injury that isn't felt. Again I'm trying to find ways to enjoy the numbing feeling that I have in my feet.
My mom gave me the best gift ever when I was little, about 7 or 8. That's when I first developed ringing in my ears. She told me to ignore it. I did and still do. I have have tinnitus for my entire life and I ignore it all day everyday. I have the ability to ignore almost any bodily discomfort. I'm learning to do the same with emotional discomfort.
I didn't think I would be able to make the U turn to get back to feeling normal, but I have. It's such a remarkable return. To be able to feel optimistic after feeling so doomed is truly amazing. It's the best gift I have ever given myself.
Also look at all that hair I have! I can tell you how many people say I love your new hair cut!
Denise
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You are an inspiration. Congratulations! And thank you so much for sharing! < 3
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4 ReactionsCongratulations!💕🤗 Thanks for sharing your story to help inspire others. You look gorgeous! Baby is cute as a button, too🤗
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3 Reactions@denisestlouie Bravo, Denise!! I love your new hair style. It's very trendy too and it looks good on you.
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3 ReactionsHey Denise,
I just saw this thread. I am so happy for you. I must say that I’m not surprised at your tenacity. It’s beautiful and inspiring. You sure have inspired me. I love your hairstyle! Glad to see that’s coming along great. What a sweet pic. That’s one cute baby! Thanks for sharing! 💐🧸👏🏻
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4 ReactionsThank you!
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1 ReactionDenise, I don't know if you truly understand how grateful I am for you sharing your journey with us here. It has been 8 months for me since my diagnosis, surgery, etc. After chemo, I had a pet scan....all clear. Without you replying to me, I would have been far more angst filled and distraught than I was. I begin radiation treatments this week. I have a fabulous radiation oncologist who is able to reduce the intensity for me and I trust her completely. Thank you again for your inspirational messages! I too think your hair looks great!!
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4 Reactions@jeanknoll986 thank you
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1 Reaction@jeanknoll986 The PET scan result is wonderful. Bravo. Thank you for posting about your progress. How many radiation treatments will you have? Will these be external beam radiation treatments? Brachytherapy?
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1 ReactionHi Helen. I am booked for 25 external beam treatments, starting tomorrow. Following that, I will have 2 Brachy therapy treatments. It is a 2 hour drive for us to get to the hospital, and we will be doing that every day. We do have the option of staying...cancer lodge and/or hotel, air b n b, etc. but we both feel we would rather be at home each night. My hubby is quite willing to do the driving, so onward!
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1 Reaction@jeanknoll986 That's a lot of driving every day but since your husband is willing to be the driver it is doable. I had the same number of external beam treatments and brachytherapy treatments are you. I found that that the side effects were less than I expected but the fatigue factor was definitely present. My radiation oncologist told me that if I kept myself active and did not "lie on the sofa all day" then I'd feel less fatigued. That was certainly true. I did allow myself to nap for a bit in the afternoon on occasion.
I am wishing you an easy time of the radiation with few or no side effects. Please check in here whenever you think about it and let me know how you are doing.
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