Cancer Free As the Next Girl

My name is Kristin and I am the proud owner of a left breast that shows no signs of cancer.  I got the fabulous news on Wednesday when I met with the surgeon and then on Friday was able to discuss the pathology reports further with Dr. Meyering.  I thought I only had one lymph node removed, however, I had three.  All three and the 6 tissue samples that were taken at surgery had no evidence of malignancy. Dr. Schreier did an excellent job and got clear margins during surgery.


So, what does that mean you ask? Well, I had a complete response (no tumor at time of surgery) to chemotherapy and am in complete remission. Simple terms for remission.... "No evidence of cancer".  Dr. Meyering and the nurses called my response a miracle.  They said that many young people don't have the outcome that I have, usually our cancers are found at later stages because they grow so rapidly and often spread.  Every morning for the last week, I have found myself feeling very lucky and thankful for having my diagnosis at stage 2a.  I often wonder (however, try not to think about it too much) what my life would be like right now if I was like most of my cancer friends at stage 4. Had it not been for my Mom encouraging me to get a Dr. Apt right away after I felt the lump, I would not have taken it so seriously.  Gotta love motherly intuition!


There is so much I must update you on, I haven't blogged since the day following surgery....


Post- Surgery:  Overall, I am feeling good.  I feel discomfort but no pain.  The movement in my left arm continues to increase by the day.  Surprisingly, I felt great last week up until Thursday and then through the weekend I felt a lot of discomfort, first time since surgery. I keep my left arm quiet and try not to move it much. 


Colorful Characteristics of Chemo: Eye tearing and spasms are slowly going away and I am so thankful for that.  I feel more and more "normal" by the day. Hair is making a comeback!

Herceptin Infusion

A Healthy Heap of Herceptin: Had my dose of Herceptin on Friday, back on track with the treatment every three weeks until October.  I found myself very much missing the infusion center staff.  My check up with Dr. Meyering: still low on my white blood cell counts but nothing to be of concern, weight is stable and healthy, all other vitals were good. 


Remission:  23 weeks ago I was diagnosed and once I started to understand my treatment plan, I longed for the moment that I would hear the words "remission".  I thought I would feel different, celebrate and cherish the moment.  However, the time really came and went last week.  I am so thankful that I am healthy and happy, but I didn't feel different. I didn't celebrate like I thought I would and haven't talked much about it until now.  It honestly hasn't changed much of how I feel.  I am happy to divorce cancer, we had irreconcilable differences.  Aside from that, I have accepted that this is a condition of my life.  Aside from chemo and surgery being well over and done with, my routine (how I care for my body) remains the same as it has for the last 23 weeks. 


A Tumor Found..A Tumor Went: During surgery, a stage 0 DCIS tumor was located and removed.  This is not cause for any concern.  However, there was another tumor growing inside of me and although it was tiny it was still a terrible feeling.  


Wiggie:  Wiggie got a haircut this weekend and I had so much fun going back to the salon.  Can't wait until my first haircut... but for now, the cut looks much more like "me"and I wish I would have cut it a long time ago.


Cocktail Clique: Ashley came into town this weekend and we had a blast!  Saturday night all the girls went out for cocktails and I enjoyed myself.  I felt so much less constricted than I have in the past which was wonderful. 


Kensington:  Took Kenzi to the vet last Wednesday and she has pneumonia.  Taking care of her, me and trying to have fun while doing so has been challenging.  She is on the up and up.   


I am most excited to start a new life routine, I have been taking time off work sporadically and looking forward to stability and a new norm. The second I have more movement in my arm, I can't wait to start working out again and have my body reap the benefits of exercise.  This week I only have one Dr's appointment (Woo Hoo!).  


Thank you for all your prayers and thoughts, I have so, so many people (some that I know and others that I don't) who constantly have me in their prayers or thoughts and I am so grateful for each and every one of you. Your constant support has meant so much to me.