5 years on

I have recently passed my 5 year mark for Grade 2a invasive lobular carcinoma of the right breast.  I am continuing on the Arimidex for another 5 years as suggested by both the surgeon and oncologist.  It is a great relief to make this milestone, but due to the size of my cancer - 4.2cm close to the chest wall, 7 year marker will be better to achieve without a recurrence.  The Arimidex is stopping the oestrogen (my was oestrogen receptor positive), but that in itself comes at costs to my joints and weight gain. Some days are good, others not so and I have found that my energy levels are that of someone 20 years older. I have been reassured that this will alleviate once I finish the further 5 years and I should start to feel back to my "normal" self. I suppose it is a small price to pay for having my health, but sometimes the migraines and joint pain - especially the left hip, can be a little hard to bear.  But if I take things gradually I find that I can get into a good head space about my physicality. The pregnant look on an older lady (I am 55) is never good and try as hard as I might, I can never shift this odd weight gain. I try and live each day as it comes and look at each day as a gift which in my case it surely is.  Discard the negativity in your life, enjoy what nature brings - sunrises , sunsets, wind in your hair and the song of the birds each day and just remember to relax and enjoy the moment. Hug your children and family and rejoice in the small things that bring you pleasure. Remember to take each day as it comes and if it all gets too hard, just look forward to the next hour.