In The Pink: With Radiation In The Rear View Mirror

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

With Radiation In The Rear View Mirror - What's Ahead?

A week ago today, I had my last radiation treatment. I've sort of been on a blogging break since then. However, my plan is to continue this blog at least until my first year anniversary of being clear. There's still plenty to do - not just for me - but for the general war on breast cancer.

Last Friday morning, I headed back to Penrose to give blood so they can test to see if I have the BRCA 1 or BRCA 2 gene. It will most likely be a week from this Friday before I get the results. I'm trying not to think about it too much until then.

Friday night I celebrated the end of radiation with three wonderful ladies (Bobbi, Brenda, and Katie) from my old school, followed by dinner out on Saturday night with two wonderful friends (Jim and Laurel) without whom, I don't know how Tony and I would have made it through the last several months.

I am not in this battle alone and I hope that I never forget to let everyone know how much their prayers, support and help have meant to me.

This morning I'll be heading back to Penrose to drop off a bouquet of Pink Ribbon cookies for the wonderful radiation techs who took such good care of me. Yes, I know that's what they get paid for - but they were so good - so friendly and supportive, I wanted to show my appreciation. (If you are in the Colorado Springs area and need beautiful cookies of any shape/design - let me know. I can put you in contact with an awesome cookie designer.)

So, what's next? I'm still waiting for my skin to heal. Part of it healed very quickly, one little area seems bent on being irritated. Of course it's on the side I tend to sleep on, so I'm hoping it clears up soon. I'm trying to get back into my normal physical routine, if the Colorado weather will just cooperate.

My fundraising efforts for my June Avon Rocky Mountain Walk continue. (Click here if you'd like to donate.) The pink ribbon t-shirts will arrive this week and I'm still running a photography special connected to the walk.

I'm also working on my Life Celebration List. (Yep - that's the list with tattoo.) I'll keep you posted. I'm also continuing my reading on breast cancer. Stay tuned for updates on that as well.

In the mean time, I hope you all have a wonderful Wednesday!

No comments:

Post a Comment

My Story

I am an elementary school librarian, mother of two teen boys and married to a wonderful husband who also happens to be a Combat Engineer. I was raised by my grandparents, my Granny in particular. Some say I look very much like her. I know we favor in a lot of ways, not including looks. My family has always had a history of high blood pressure, high cholesterol and heart disease. Being diagnosed with breast cancer, caught me totally by surprise.

Over the last twelve months I have read a lot of Joel Osteen. One of things he advocates is that when you are challenged, you should find away to help others. Having financial difficulty, mow the lawn for a single mom for free, buy a cup of coffee for a homeless person - that sort of thing. When I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer in November 2010, I wondered just what could I do to help others in the same situation. I'm a librarian, so I don't have the financial resources to help (though I will be participating in efforts to raise funds for research and to provide mammograms for women who might not be able to afford them) and I was at a loss as to how I could help someone else. Then it hit me. Once I shared my diagnosis with others, women - some I barely knew, took the time to share their struggles and successes with breast cancer. Those words of encouragement from women who knew exactly what I am going through meant a great deal.

At first I was hesitant to start this blog (and not because I currently have three other blogs going). I was afraid it would seem as though I was seeking attention. Then I thought, attention is just what this disease and many other diseases need. If I share my story, maybe it will bring comfort to another woman going through the same challenges. Though I'm currently an elementary librarian, I do have fantastic training as a reference librarian. I can share information about research, resources, diets, etc with others and maybe in the process I can do a little good.

I hope you will bear with me on what my doctor assures me is not a speed race, but a marathon. I'd love to hear your thoughts on what you are going through and how I or someone else can help. And know that this blog is not just for those with cancer, but family members as well. Cancer (or any disease for that matter) doesn't hurt just the person who has it, but it is painful for the friends and family as well. This is a fight that is won when we all fight together.

Pages

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

With Radiation In The Rear View Mirror - What's Ahead?

No comments:

Post a Comment