Treatment finished at last

Question

I was diagnosed with tnbc in April this year, and after 7 months, treatment has finally finished! The feeling of freedom is amazing.&nbsp; It was a case of putting one foot in front of the other, and taking one day at a time - I didn't look too far ahead, so that it wasn't too overwhelming.
My history was a double mastectomy (Grade 2, Stage 3, in one breast, no nodes involved, clear scans).&nbsp; This was followed in 3 weeks by 12 weekly rounds of chemo (taxol/carboplaten), then in another 4 weeks by 28 radiotherapy sessions.&nbsp; These were angled at the chest wall where the cancer had been located, but shallow so that the heart/lungs were not affected.&nbsp; Two weeks later I had a total laparascopic hysterectomy, and a week later I feel strong and energised - probably because everything that could be done has been done!&nbsp; (Mine was a very aggressive tumour.)
If any pink sisters read this, and are just starting their journey, I want them to know that it all passes quickly once you have your routine in place.&nbsp; You can do it.&nbsp; Keep your BCNA diary up to date, and track your appointments.&nbsp; Keeping records showed me just how far I had come.&nbsp; It all helps.&nbsp; Now I am back to walking on the beach for 35 minutes every morning and life is good.
To my wonderful pink friends, and you know who you are, thank you for the support and encouragement all through this roller coaster ride.&nbsp; Your posts made such a difference.
On to the new normal - hugs to you all - Michelle x

mich_x · Answer

Hey Michelle
Congratulations!!!!!!&nbsp; It is such a wonderful feeling of freedom when you make it to the end and can say I have done it and I survived, well done.
It is great to hear you are feeling so well and getting out there and exercising every day.
Wishing you all the best for your new normal.
LOL, Mich xoxo

michelle_r · Answer

You are there as well, and you know how good it feels!&nbsp; Hope your chest has cleared up, Mich, and you are able to do your walks more easily.&nbsp; Your victory with the insurance company cheered my heart - well done!&nbsp; You must have had an amazing time in Sydney - wish I could have been there too - stay well, and big hug, Michelle xx

mich_x · Answer

Hey Michelle
Thanks for your kind words.&nbsp; I am there now!!! and over my horrible pneumonia which is good.&nbsp; It was wonderful to finally get the insurance claim approved as I felt my fight was worth it, shame it had to get to the point of me complaining to insurance heirachy to get some action.
I have had a follow up mammogram but still waiting for the team meeting from the hospital where they will do comparisons with previous films and will get back to me.&nbsp; Hopefully I don't get a phone call to go in and see them as that is what I am dreading now..&nbsp; I have had my bone density test to keep a check on it now I am on Femara.&nbsp; I see my chemo onco for follow up appt sometime this month.&nbsp; Then hormone doctor in December and so it goes on but it is wonderful and makes me feel more secure knowing I am going to continue having regular follow ups.
The only thing plagueing me now is fatigue which I hope will slowly subside.&nbsp; I am walking every day and getting out in the garden when I can (not today though as it is like a real winters day up here today unfortuntately, mind you we need the rain).
I won't look at returning to work until next year as I want to be there for my precious daughter when she has her lil princess at the end of this year or early 2013.&nbsp; Then I will look at going back to work part time maybe???&nbsp;
Enjoy feeling better and not having to deal with treatment and side effects day to day.&nbsp; It is a great feeling to be alive these days.&nbsp;
I was listening to a couple of oldies yesterday while I was at our local monthly markets.&nbsp; One old fellow said it isn't fun getting old and a lovely old spunky lady pipes up and said "sure beats dying young and not getting to see your children and their children grow up".&nbsp; I felt sorry for the old guy&nbsp;cause she certainly put him in his place but hearing what she said definitely made my day.
LOL, Mich xoxo

ruth70 · Answer

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Wishing you the very best. Your kind words and advice when I was diagnosed and then online here looking for answers were truly appreciated.
Being diagnosed with ' the uncommon' breast cancer scared the H out of me. Finding somewhere like BCNA to not feel so under attack, and others who are unfortunately sharing a smilar journey does help you fight the fight.
I have 3 treatments of Taxo to go, and finish on Nov 22nd. I begin Rads on Dec 17 for 7 weeks. Without the community here, I think I'd have gone a little madder than I already am. :-)
Best of luck with everything Michelle, wishing you nothing but the very best.
Ruth
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michelle_r · Answer

That's the kind of spunky old lady I want to become!&nbsp; At the golf club, the oldest members say it's great to be on the right side of the grass!
Mich, do stay in touch with the results of your follow-ups - which I feel&nbsp;sure will be clean and clear.&nbsp; I'm told the fatigue that follows rads can take a few months to fade away, so don't overdo things.&nbsp; I think you are smart to defer any work decisions until after New Year.&nbsp; You have been through a lot and some R&amp;R is in order. And a&nbsp;new granddaughter - wow - that will keep you busy anyway.&nbsp; What a lovely way to finish the year.
Will be thinking of you - Michelle xx

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Treatment finished at last

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