Next month marks 11 years since my breast cancer diagnosis. While I am grateful to be cancer-free for this long, the journey has been anything but easy. As a breast cancer survivor, the thought of cancer is always in the back of my mind. Due to my Lynch Syndrome status, I am at risk for … Continue reading SGAP Surgery: A Survivor’s Journey Back to Wellness
Tag: mastectomy
Ten Years Cancer-Free – A Reflection
Thinking back on my “re-birthday,” the day I woke up from surgery cancer-free, involves a lot of emotions. Gratitude is at the top of the list. I had Stage II, ER/PR+, HER2- invasive ductal carcinoma. As each year passes, the worry of recurrence lessens. But the “what ifs” never really go away. It’s always in … Continue reading Ten Years Cancer-Free – A Reflection
Hell Yes They’re Fake… ;)
Coming to terms with the battle I have fought over the past 5 months, sometimes gets overwhelming. But I do not regret for one second, my choice to have a double mastectomy. Laughing is good for the mind, body and soul and not only do I find this amusing, I oddly find it as a … Continue reading Hell Yes They’re Fake… 😉
Three weeks – Are you kidding me?
July 8, 2013 – The waiting was killing me. When will they set the date for surgery? Will it be next week? Am I prepared? I finally get the call from Ilene at Dr. Shapiro's office. The surgery was scheduled for July 30th at 8am. July 30th? That's three weeks away. Are you kidding me? … Continue reading Three weeks – Are you kidding me?
And then it was done.
My surgery went well. Between my surgeon and plastic surgeon it only took 4 hours instead of the estimated 5 hours I was originally told. The first thing I remember when I opened my eyes in the recovery room was seeing my daughter Megan, cousin Melanie, Kelli and Kelsi standing at the foot of my … Continue reading And then it was done.
The big day finally arrived
July 30, 2013 – After 3 long weeks, the day of surgery finally was here! Surprisingly I found myself calm and at peace. All those prayers must really be working. I can't think of any other way for that to be possible. I had to be to JFK Hospital at 5:30am. I surprisingly woke up … Continue reading The big day finally arrived
I made up my mind
July 2, 2013 – After a lot of research, talking to doctors and prayer, I knew in my heart that a lumpectomy was not what I wanted. If I was going to have to do 3 months of chemo, there was no way I wanted to endure 5 weeks (5 days a week) of radiation … Continue reading I made up my mind
And now the “fun” begins.
July 1, 2013 – After reviewing the MRI results Dr. Shapiro promptly advised me to go see an oncologist. Because of my lack of coverage for oncology he asked Dr. Schwartzberg to give me a discounted rate. At this point I had had so many Drs appts I was unable to work full time. So … Continue reading And now the “fun” begins.
Envisioning Wellness – My Journey Back to Good 