The End of Treatment

Hard to believe it is August already and almost a year since my diagnosis. I have to say even though there were moments I felt like time was standing still, this year did move pretty quickly. I recovered well from my mastectomy after the drains were removed; it felt like a eternity that they were in. My last check up with the plastic surgeon went well. He was happy with my healing and in November I will get my implants. One more surgery and that hopefully will be the end.

After recovering from surgery I began radiation therapy. 5 days a week for 5 weeks. Radiation was easy and quick (I was there at the most 20 minutes!)  I did not feel a thing and really had no side effects until the end. About 3 days before my last session my skin began to peel. At first it wasn't bad and was very manageable. Unfortunately it gets worse before it gets better. Well that was definitely played down!! I was not prepared for the pain, oozing and open wounds. I apply Auqaphor several times a day along with a burn cream but neither give much relief. The burns are big, from my clavicle bone to the bottom of my breast, from my sternum to under my armpit, down my side and slightly on my back. There were days I had to wear bandages tucked into a super soft bra because the skin was sticking and coming off on my clothing. It was so gross!! The pain was unbearable at times and worse then the pain I had from my mastectomy. I was not prepared at all for this!!

Here I am 3 weeks later and most of the oozing has stopped and although the pain is not gone it is much better... a little more bearable. Thankfully before the pain got to its worst we were able to get away for a quick overnight at the beach. It was an awesome, much needed two day break from cancer. It was relaxing and wonderful to have no schedule and to enjoy my kids. Before I went away I had a follow up with my medical oncologist. I need to get blood work once my wounds heal and for now no medication. I go back in December for a checkup, sometime this winter a bone scan and I follow up with my radiation oncologist at the end of the month.

Having cancer is a life changing! Not only for me but the people around me, especially my family. I have learned a lot about myself, I was able to draw strength even in the moments I didn't think I could. I also learned a lot about other people. I had incredible friends who stood by me in the good, the bad and the ugly that I became closer to and friends that I drifted from. What no one tells you when your diagnosed is cancer will take over your life. You eat, sleep and breath cancer. Your schedule revolves around treatments and doctor appointments. It is all consuming. It is overwhelming. It is scary. I am so grateful for the people that stood by me, who I'm sure got tired of hearing my complaints and problems but still checked in with me often. They know who they are and I love them dearly.

I feel as if for the last year my life has been on hold. I look forward to getting my life back. Getting back to work, running my kids in fifty directions and not being consumed by cancer. I am so proud of  Jack and Ava and how they have handled this last year. They were extremely supportive, didn't bat an eye when I lost my 'shit' on them for no reason and just rolled with the punches. I look forward to new beginnings and enjoying the little things. Life is to short to worry about menial stuff. I know our perspective on life is forever changed!! xo