Wow, what a difference a year makes. I have to be frank and say last summer was just miserable. I was in the thick of weekly taxol and herceptin treatments which really took a toll on me. I also had no hair, eyelashes or eyebrows. I can barely look at images of me from that time.
Now, however, I feel like I am finally getting my life together again. It is so strange to have a year devoted to battling cancer and then just go back to your regularly scheduled life. You are trying also to make changes to optimize your chances of staying healthy. It can be really overwhelming.
I’m doing pretty well on the exercise part, but horrible on the eating. I know some people fight cancer by totally changing their diets, but I’m just struggling to eat more fruits and veggies! I am taking vitamin D and calcium supplements. I’m also considering starting with some fish oil supplements.
I’m still on Tamoxifen and Effexor for hot flashes. I’m weaning off the Effexor because I’m no longer getting hot flashes, however. My monthly cycles returned about a year after I started chemo. I know TMI, but I’ve asked total strangers about this topic so I know some of you are curious!!!
My reconstruction is almost done. I had a surgery in April and will get tattooed next month. Oh my. I never imagined this was how I would get a tattoo.
I went to a great event this week. The annual Breast Cancer in Younger Women: A Forum for Patients and Survivors was held at the Copley Plaza Hotel in Boston. It was great to be a part of a day focusing on issues unique to those of us diagnosed before menopause.
I’m going to try to spread the word about upcoming breast cancer events on this blog. Here are some you might want to know about:
Monday, Sept 15th 12-1 p.m. Jump Start Your Healing with Dr. Julie Silver at Dana Farber, Smith 240. You must pre-register at jisaacson@partners.org
Wednesday, Sept 17th 5-6:30 p.m. Sex and Sensuality After Breast Cancer with Dr. Sharon Bober, Dana Farber Room 1620. You must pre-register at jisaacson@partners.org
Monday, Oct. 6th 12 to 1 p.m. Help to Get You Through with Dr. Julie Silver, Smith 240 at Dana Farber. You must pre-register at jisaacson@partners.org
I heard both these speakers at the conference and they were great. I also know Dr. Silver well and she is a survivor who has written several great books on healing.
