beachbum5817's Journey with Breast Cancer

Pathology report from the double mastectomy showed tumor was larger than reported on the biopsy report and 6 out of 15 lymph nodes tested positive. That puts me at Stage 3 cancer and will add radiation to my original treatment program.

Had first treatment on Jan. 23 and all went well. Hopefully, it will continue.

Off to my 6th and final chemo today. Can't believe that it is here. Seems like just yesterday I was going for my double mastectomy. 2 weeks off then radiation. Bring it on!!!!

The movement in my arm is very limited, and this is a very painful experience. It is the longest 20 minutes of my day, July 10 can't come soon enough.

Went to physical therapy to improve movement in my left arm, and the therapist said I have lymphedema. Now I will need to get therapy for this.

Yesterday was my final radiation. I have to say it went quicker than I expected. I am red, but have no pain from it. I feel such a sense of accomplishment. The process was very hard for me. Now it's just Herceptin until January. I am on the downhill slide. Off to the shore to restore my soul. Happy days!!!!

One year ago today, I heard the words "it's cancer". I am proud to have one year of survivorship under my belt. I don't think I believed that was possible a year ago. Here's to many more!!

Completed one year of Herceptin on Jan. 15. I am now done with all treatment related to my diagnosis.

Got my permanent implants on June 18. The doctor said it went better than expected. He was worried about the effects from radiation. However, I am more sore than I expected. I have a drain on the left side, and there is a burning sensation at the site. My incisions don't hurt at all.

I had this done Sept. 17. I am very pleased with the outcome and hope that it will hold. I had the fat taken from my lower abdomen. I took pain pills yesterday, but don't plan on using anything more than Tylenol today. If I didn't have to shake off the fog from the pain pills, I would be able to return to work today. Other than my plastic surgeon's drawing on my chest and little needle marks from the fat injections, there is no discomfort at all to my chest.

It was 2 years ago today that I was told that I had breast cancer. I am so happy that I am here to celebrate. It hasn't been easy, but I am so glad that I persevered. I am thankful for all of the support that I have found here at WhatNext.

I found a lump in my chest about a month ago. Saw the breast surgeon yesterday. He confirmed that it was there and found a second lump. Since they have to come out, he is going to just remove them instead of just doing a biopsy. I will have the surgery on June 16. I have to admit that I am very nervous. Hopefully I won't have to wait too long for the results.

Just got back from the breast surgeon, and got the results from my surgery last week. It was a benign cyst with chronic inflammation. He has no idea what caused it and said he has never seen it before. I am so relieved. Now I can go on vacation without anything hanging over my head.

It was 3 years ago today that I was told that I had cancer. I have so much to look forward to in the coming year, cruise with my husband and my son is getting married. I am thankful to God, family, friends, doctors, and my What Next family for helping me get this far. I couldn't have done it without everyone. I pray that I will be writing many more of these posts.

The ultrasound shows 2 small cysts. The doctor is going to try to aspirate them. I couldn't get an appointment until the end of January, and he says that waiting isn't an issue. I am not overly worried, but I will be glad to get an answer. Cancer has not be mentioned, and hopefully it will stay that way.

Today marks the 5th anniversary of receiving my cancer diagnosis. Having been diagnosed as HER2+, made me think that this might not be possible. I am so thankful for the women who came before me and were willing to take part in the Herceptin trial. Without them, things may have gone differently.