The Last Expected Thing in the Universe: 2009

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

IN CELEBRATION OF MY FIRST DIAGNOSIS/SURVIVAL ANNIVERSARY!!!

I know that it has been months since my last post but in those last few months I: finished radiation; did some house hunting; had hysterectomy (that's a story in itself); had company for Thanksgiving; did some more house hunting; celebrated Christmas at my apartment with my Mom and Harlan; went with my friends Melissa and Mary to a New Year's Dance/Party that made me feel like I was back in Junior High; did extensive house hunting; finally found a wonderful house in Flower Mound; packed my apartment in Irving while taking weekends and evenings to paint rooms in the new house; moved into my wonderful new home (YEA! pictures to come); and if all that wasn't enough, I started a new job a few weeks ago. I'm still working with Bank of America, but I'm no longer an Admin Assistant. I'm now working with Production Support doing documentation and granting access for applications, and - best of all- I get to work from home!

Obviously things are looking brighter than they were when I wrote my last post. My radiation burns have long since healed, my reconstructive surgery is in a few months, and I got a clean bill of health from my medical oncologist a few weeks ago. After examining my CT, blood work, and giving me a physical exam, she said that for 6-months post-chemo I'm doing great -I'm not even anemic anymore! And today I had my follow-up with my radiologist, who also gave me a clean bill of health. Although, due to recent studies on the BRCA1 gene, he recommends I start having colonoscopies - bummer! (literally)

One year ago today I received the news that I had breast cancer, and tonight, I am going out to celebrate my victory in this ongoing battle by going out for a nice dinner and maybe splurging on something fun for myself or my new house. I will continue to celebrate this victory one day, one year at a time. Cancer might have temporarily slowed me down, but it has not kept me from accomplishing my goals or fulfilling my dreams. I may have to adapt a few of them, but I am going to take this precious life and make the most of it!

COPING WITH CANCER

- FIND YOUR 'HAPPY PLACE' - As J.M. Barrie said, "God gave us memory so that we might have roses in December." When I'm having a rough time, I try to recall my most pleasant memories and my favorite places. I've posted pictures of some of those places on this blog. I know you can't chose when you're diagnosed with cancer, but if you have any way to go on vacation right before you get the unfortunate news, I highly reccomend it. I left for a long weekend in Orlando with my friend, Melissa, right after I had my biopsy. I had a wonderful time and was able to keep the stress and worry of waiting for test results to a minimum. Plus I got some great photos.
- ALLOW FRIENDS AND FAMILY TO HELP YOU - Sometimes I'm stubborn and want to do everything myself, but often friends and family feel helpless when someone they love is suffering from cancer. By allowing them to look after me, cook me occasional meals, and drive me to the doctor's office, I can often make things a little easier for them. I've found that sometimes loved ones who feel like they aren't able to help you in some way have a harder time coping. So swallow that pride, and don't be afraid to ask for assistance. Doing everything by yourself is not what it's cracked up to be.
- CELEBRATE EVERY SUCCESS AND EVERY MILESTONE - when you reach your halfway mark for chemo or radiation, do something nice for yourself. When you reach the end of a treatment cycle, do something even nicer. It doesn't have to be elaborate - buy a new outfit or go out to dinner. If you've been nausated and you have a day you feel good, take advantage of it and eat some of your favorite food. Plan something to look forward to when all your treatment is complete. I'm planning on taking a vacation with some of my close friends.
- LOSE YOUR HAIR ON YOUR OWN TERMS - I had fairly long hair and was afraid that going bald was going to be one of the most traumatic things about breast cancer for me. I decided to cut my hair in installments. I cut off six inches, then about six more, then I did a boy cut. When I woke up one morning and my head hurt from the hair that was starting to come out, I asked my sister to shave my head. I didn't wait for my hair to come out in big, depressing chunks, I just took the plunge. There are very few things you have control over when it comes to cancer, but one of them is the way you lose your hair. Losing my hair on my own terms was empowering, and I didn't cry about going bald or get depressed like I thought I would.