What a year!
Well the results were high grade DCIS as well as a Grade 2 tumor, so 4 days later I had a mastectomy and auxillary dissection after the sentinel node was obvious for cancer. Five positive nodes out of the eight taken, so radiation would be needed after chemo. I was going to get the full treatment, yay!
3 weeks later I was having my first dose of FEC. 2 weeks later I lost my hair. I was humbled by the support of family and friends. One by one I got through 6 rounds of chemo and then the five weeks of radio.
Tamoxifen is going well for me which is very good because it changes my chance of recurrence from 50% down to only 20%. Not bad for a smallish daily tablet!
I have worked at regaining my fitness and have now sorted the lymphedema issue. I look well, feel well and am adjusting to this different life.
This Mother's Day I will be taking part in the Mother's Day Classic with my family. Last year I was terrified of what lay ahead. This year I know I am strong and well again. Our health is so very precious and I have regained mine with the help of family, friends, my doctors and other health professionals. Throughout this year I have also never felt alone thanks to the women I have 'met' on this network.
So Happy Mother's Day to all the mums out there and for those enduring treatment at this time, know that you too will get through what you need to. My wish is that they find a cure for this awful disease that unfortunately will effect so many again this year.
Take care. Deanne xxx
Comments
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I love reading your blogs and this one is no exception!
We need blogs like your latest one to inspire and motivate us to keep strong on our journeys.
I read this on the Breast Cancer Care Site in the U.K:-
Dear Body,
I wasn't always happy with you. I wanted longer legs, a flatter tummy, firmer arms.
But recently we've been through a lot, you and I.
We faced cancer, together.
We lost our right breast, our hair fell out. But we got through it. And now I've learned to love and accept you for what you are.
Not perfect. But beautifully imperfect.
You are my body.
And I'm proud of you.
Marls
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Yes I used to worry about various bits of my body too but have a different perspective on what is important now! We should be very proud of what they make it through.
Mine just made it round the park again for my afternoon walk. It is great to be able to enjoy the weather and see other people looking after their health too. So many people using the exercise equipment at the park, walking their dogs kicking balls with their children. Xx
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Only 4 to go, yay! Take it easy, don't expect to feel good in a hurry. It is 6 months since I finished radio and I still don't feel the same as before. Keep going that one step at a time. Xxx0
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Thank-you and I am so glad that you are nearly there. As you say we all basically go through the same process of shock, panic, wanting the cancer gone, wanting our old life back but having no choice but to just get on with the treatment. You have amazed me being able to work full time through chemo! What a great achievement.
It can be a bit of a struggle as you get to the end of radiation. Our bodies start to tire and we have to be kind to ourselves and give them a bit of a well earned rest. Best of luck with those last few sessions. Xxx0 -
Thank you. Im going to take a good earned rest once it's over xx0
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Thank you. Im going to take a good earned rest once it's over xx0
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HAPPY MOTHERS DAY Deanne! It has to be great this year,right?I agree with you also,that our health is so important.You are 3 months ahead of me and I love reading your posts Deanne.You really are an inspiration to lots of ladies on this network.You will blitz the Mother's Day classic.Have lots of fun.Cheers Robynxox0
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HAPPY MOTHERS DAY Deanne! It has to be great this year,right?I agree with you also,that our health is so important.You are 3 months ahead of me and I love reading your posts Deanne.You really are an inspiration to lots of ladies on this network.You will blitz the Mother's Day classic.Have lots of fun.Cheers Robynxox0
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Happy Mothers Day Deanne - this time last year I came out of hospital the Friday before Mother's Day after a bilateral mastectomy. The time has flown, I am feeling better than ever and will think of you and all the other Pink Women as I do the Mothers Day Classic in Sydney.
Have fun and stay healthy
Fiona
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Happy Mothers Day Deanne - this time last year I came out of hospital the Friday before Mother's Day after a bilateral mastectomy. The time has flown, I am feeling better than ever and will think of you and all the other Pink Women as I do the Mothers Day Classic in Sydney.
Have fun and stay healthy
Fiona
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Hi Deanne,
Wow! I can not beleive it has been 12 months. You have been a tower of strength throughout - not only for yourself but those around you and in particular the women in this online network. You have given so much back! So I just wanted to say thank you! Thank you for sharing your experiences with us and I hoped you have gone some support back.
Enjoy Sunday and your special Mother's Day.
x
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Hi Deanne,
Wow! I can not beleive it has been 12 months. You have been a tower of strength throughout - not only for yourself but those around you and in particular the women in this online network. You have given so much back! So I just wanted to say thank you! Thank you for sharing your experiences with us and I hoped you have gone some support back.
Enjoy Sunday and your special Mother's Day.
x
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Happy Mothers Day Deanne. Good luck with the Mothers Day Classic.0
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Happy Mothers Day Deanne. Good luck with the Mothers Day Classic.0
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Happy Mother's Day! What a wonderful landmark date for the past 12 months as one of our favourite warriors! Have a great day with your family, you have truly earned it. xxx
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