May 16, 2022
⭐ Cancer update and Childcare recommendations ⭐
I have some great news! I tested negative for all the genetic breast cancer genes that are currently known, so the Doctors say this means I am at no increased risk of other cancers nor are my children. This also means I can proceed with treatments with no concern for any additional surgeries besides breast surgery. The oncologist was very positive and said I am stage 1A which means they believe my cancer has not spread to the lymph nodes. They will not know that for sure until surgery but as of right now the prognosis is very good. He said if they do not find any surprises during surgery, statistically they have a good chance of curing me but this year is going to be a hard one. I feel better knowing math and science are on my side! I am also humbled knowing that not everyone has the privilege of a diagnosis like mine. I am thinking of all of my Pink sisters and hoping for the best for them as well. I am so thankful I got my Mammogram when I did. It may have saved my life.
I have triple positive cancer which means they can starve it and try to prevent recurrence. I will have a double masectomy with immediate reconstruction and when I am well enough, they will begin chemo Taxol (chemo) and Herceptian which is a HER blocker once a week for 12 weeks. Then, I will remain on Herceptin for the rest of the year and hormone blockers for five more years. This year is going to be tough but I am strong and stubborn. I am determined to keep a smile on my face and find a way to enjoy the summer but I know I need help.
I thank all my amazing friends for their support and help. I have always been the kind of person to refuse help because my Mother raised me to believe accepting help is a weakness but I know some things are bigger than me and my ego. I cannot in good conscience ask any one of my closest friends to help more than they already have because they already do so much.
Cancer is so expensive. I’m a Realtor and I can’t work woth buyers due to the physical demands of traveling all over and showing homes while I’m in recovery. Now we have to worry about childcare expenses because my husband has to work on top of the mountain of other debts about to start rolling in. I have agreed to give my friends an idea of what my needs might be during my fight so they can help me with my daily struggle. I have also told a childhood friend she can create a go fund me for my medical expenses which is really hard for me but medical expenses shouldn’t be almost as stressful as cancer. Being vulnerable is scary and difficult. Without family that can help, I am dependent on the family I’ve chosen for myself.
I love my friend family in PA so very much. I want to let every person who reached out to me know I appreciate you. Life is hard but it really helps to feel loved and supported. I want to say a special thanks to my friends who reminded me to get a mammogram and thanks to any one of you who reminds your loved ones to do the same. You may have saved my life. The things we do in life to help others don’t always seem important or worth the effort but they are. Something as small as a reminder can change the course of a person’s life. You may never see it but you could be saving someone like me.
