Category breast cancer

It’s been more than a  year since my mastectomy. For me, this was the biggest step forward after months of agonizing waiting for a full plan after my initial diagnosis with breast cancer. I was terrified, but I welcomed it.…

Last Monday was a big day. In addition to marking a year post-diagnosis, I was scheduled for a screening mammogram of my left breast. I’d been anticipating this day for months. With a positive report, it seemed I’d be able…

Last week I met with a PA to enter Northwestern’s breast cancer survivorship program. This means the baton has been passed from the people running my plan of action to those responsible for maintenance. Which is great. And informative. And means…

Recovering nicely from surgery 2+ weeks ago. My plastic surgeon—and the host of nurses, residents, med students on rotation, physician’s assistants, rando hospital people, your mom who seem to be in every appointment I’ve had this year—declared the outcome a…

Think I’m finally getting used to what’s considered my new normal: New body parts. New scars. Permanent numbness. Shitty side effects of Tamoxifen. Daily PT exercises. New boxes to check on forms at the non-cancer doctor doctor’s office. And there…

Two post-op appointments later and the news for my parts is pretty good. Gynecologist has cleared me for all activity (she means SWIMMING, people) and said to come back in a year. Plastic surgeon wants to do one more procedure,…

While I clearly went back to work much too soon—holy mother of pearl, the late afternoon fatigue and pain were startling—am happy to report that news on my prognosis is nothing but very, very good. Met with my oncologist last…

Current situation: Feeling mostly better, but still pretty sore, trying not to be depressed, clinging to gratitude, going back to work on Monday. On gratitude, here’s a list….because I am a list-lover and they help me: My steadfast husband, whose…

Had my first post-op appointment with the plastic surgeon yesterday. Bandages and plastic wrappings were gently removed, along with some stitches. My surgeon thought everything looked good and that someday soon, I’ll  be done with this round-the-clock sports bra routine and…

Been a rough week. Lots of napping and wincing and gimping around. I no longer require Mike’s assistance to get up, but every sneeze, cough, and laugh issues a cruel stab of reality. Have also developed a serious love/hate with…