Too often in my life when things are hard, I just want them to be OVER. That's because waiting times can be difficult. I can imagine all kinds of scenarios. And in the past I've had trouble getting negative, worrying thoughts out of my mind. But this time, to my surprise, I'm doing so much … Continue reading Breast cancer Round 2: The liminal space of waiting
breast cancer treatment
An Upcoming “Birth”day: Three Years After Cancer Treatments
April 24th is a kind of birthday for me. It's the day I completed breast cancer treatments. And fittingly, this year's local Relay for Life is on April 25th. So I'm looking at this year's Relay event as a "birthday" celebration of my third year as a cancer-free person. But I'm not only feeling celebration … Continue reading An Upcoming “Birth”day: Three Years After Cancer Treatments
Terrible and Wonderful: A Year Passes
What can happen in one year? Well, as someone who has gone through breast cancer treatments, I can tell you that a lot can happen in one year. You can endure and survive one of the most difficult times of your life. You can even thrive and flourish. It was a year ago on a Wednesday … Continue reading Terrible and Wonderful: A Year Passes
And even better and better
Who knew how wonderful it could feel to have more energy, to be able to do household chores and not be exhausted, to run errands and take walks and do daily activities and not have to rest??! I'm up earlier than usual today because I'm bursting with energy. Not manic energy, but the energy that … Continue reading And even better and better
Celebration of the end of treatment – and reflection and thanks
Today I had my LAST radiation treatment! The gremlins were at work to make sure I stayed nonattached to this being my last day when they made the radiation machine have a glitch which required a computer restart and delayed my treatment for a while. But the computer came back up and synced properly with … Continue reading Celebration of the end of treatment – and reflection and thanks
Countdown
I have seven breast cancer treatments left. Seven. Two more radiations of the whole breast area, then five of what the radiation oncologist calls "boost" treatments in which just the tumor site is radiated. After the two more of the general area, I'm hoping that the tape burn wounds will heal. They are healing some … Continue reading Countdown
Going home
I'm aswirl with fullness and memories and emotions and gratitude today. Being back home has been a healing time of friends and family and childhood places and deep familiarity. I'm very tired from activity and interaction. But it's a happy tired, a grateful tired. Today is a slow day before my return to my other … Continue reading Going home
The End of the Litany of Chemo Side Effects Draws Near
A nosebleed this morning welcomed me to my day. Just one of the many chemo side effects I've experienced on this breast cancer healing journey. My last chemo is scheduled for Thursday, and though I do not look forward to this last round of side effects, I do look forward to no more chemo. The … Continue reading The End of the Litany of Chemo Side Effects Draws Near
Acupuncture and chemo
After my morning chemo treatment on Thursday, I went to be acupunctured for the first time ever. It was the gift of a dear friend. I'd read that acupuncture can help with chemo side effects, so I didn't hesitate in saying yes to the offer. Yes, acupuncture involves needles (thus the "puncture" part), and I … Continue reading Acupuncture and chemo
Clear nodes and margins – yay!
Although I expected to see the surgeon and get results tomorrow, the pathology report came today - with good news! The nodes are clear and the margins around the tumor area have all normal tissue. And the surgeon says I'm healing well from the surgery. I'm so grateful for the good news. I'm sure that … Continue reading Clear nodes and margins – yay!
eddies and currents 