Today is TNBC awareness day. Oh, believe me - I'm aware! I hope and pray that the research continues to someday bring a cure to this dreaded disease. Not a day goes by that I don't think of all of the people being diagnosed with cancer and how it affects each one of them.
I am happy to report that I saw my oncologist yesterday and at 1-1/2 years from diagnosis, I continue to be in good health and am today cancer-free. I feel very fortunate and count my blessings daily.
While in the doctor's office, I shared with her that I know two people who went through breast cancer treatments around the same time that I did and that both of them have had recurrence. I asked her about recurrence and how one might know if the cancer had returned. She shared with me that for patients that have had mastectomies like I did, the rate of recurrence in the breast area is extremely low, but if cancer were to return it most often appears in the bones. When I asked how one would know if the cancer was in the bones, she replied that you might feel bone pain and would likely feel generally under the weather - fatigued, etc. Well, this is a scary notion! I make the decision not let the fear of recurrence take hold in my mind as it is not worthy of thought or energy. I instead will continue to know that I am healthy, that I did everything in my power to fight the cancer and it is gone. I maintain my positive attitude at all costs.
The focus these days is keeping in good health. I've restructured my diet and have lost the weight that I put on after treatments. I began a gym program 5 weeks ago and feel so much stronger and more flexible with the exercises that I've been doing. It really has made a huge difference. I didn't realize how stiff and tight my muscles had become after multiple surgeries and long periods of recovery until I really started using those muscles again. I have not taken a pain killer (for fused spine/back pain issues) for months now - in fact don't take any medications at all except for a low dose HRT. So, between gym, long walks and hiking with my hubby, I am feeling really good and sleeping like a baby. Moving the body really is good medicine.
If you know of anyone battling triple negative breast cancer, I include the following link for more information/resources:
http://www.tnbcfoundation.org/tnbcday2015/champions.htm
I assume that if you are reading this blog, you either know me or someone who is or has been diagnosed with cancer. My heart and prayers go out to you and yours.
Thank you for stopping by and please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
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