Today I had my post-op appt with my gyno onc. It was uneventful. I'm healing well, inside and out. My pathology report from surgery showed everything was clean. The dr was surprised I'm not experiencing menopause symptoms....hot flashes, mood swings. He seemed to think this was a good sign that I may not have symptoms for a while if I haven't had them yet. We'll treat symptoms as they arise. He said I have no restrictions on activity, but would not advise any serious core pounding. Just listen to my body & let pain be my guide. I'll go back in 1 year for an annual exam. Yipee! Cross another dr off my schedule for a while.
Yesterday I started back with Herceptin since my surgery. I had to take a little break to let my body heal. It was treatment #16....only 36 to go! The dr & I discussed doing the mega dose of Herceptin once every 3 weeks. The efficacy is equal to once per week, but it is harder on my heart. In an effort to minimize risk, I will continue to go every week. I don't mind if it means it's safer for my heart. So, every Monday after I drop the kids off at school, I'll go get my weekly infusion.
On March 9, I will have my baseline PET scan since before my mastectomy surgery last March. I'm sure that day will be stressful as I wait for the results. My dr is not concerned & feels it will be clean. It's a 2-3hr procedure, but thankfully the facility is only a few miles from my house.
I've been wondering what is the standard for determining your "anniversary" date. Is it diagnosis, surgery, treatment, etc? Every one's situation is unique. My dr thinks it is reasonable for me to use my surgery date because at that point, I was cancer free. Makes sense. So, my cancerversary is officially March 25. 1 month away. What a milestone that will be. I plan to celebrate many, many more!
Love & Peace to you all, srb
What a journey you have been on this past year.You have been an inspiration to so many...quite an 'amazing daughter'. I know we will be celebrating with you many..many more "cancerversaries". Keep on smiling and living Big and Strong!! We Love You Dearly!!
ReplyDeleteI love your post----but can we call it something else like, "shannonversary" or "livebigversary" or "yippeeforshannonversary" or "weloveshannonversary"? I'm just not into the c word. Give me some time and maybe I could come up with something really cool! lol
ReplyDeleteLove your posts and the idea of a "cancerversery". Had never thought of it that way! I like "survivorversry". You have been on quite a journey this year. We remember the day you shared the news ~ our hearts just sank with "oh no, not Shannon". We have been in awe of the way you have fought this battle with such strength, character and integrity. There are so many here in my circle of family and friends that have prayed for you and keep asking how is your niece doing? The prayer warriors are everywhere. We are so excited to see you soon and finally able to give you a real hug and tell you how proud we are of you. Thank you so much for sharing your journey with all of us. We have felt like we always new the next step in the journey and new specifically what to pray for. See you all soon ~ Love, Uncle Larry & Aunt Kathy
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