Hi, all,

On April 1st, I rang the bell at the cancer center. After one surgery, 12 weeks of chemo, and 20 days of radiation, I am officially cancer free! I’ve met great medical professionals along the way, from surgeons to oncologists, nurses and nurse practitioners to nurse navigators, all banded together to make my process toward healing smooth. We shared many laughs along the way. Will I miss my fellow travelers? Sure, but I can drop in and see them again. Plus, I’ll be monitored for the next five years.

For those of you who weren’t here at the beginning, last summer I had my annual mammogram where the technician spotted a small lump. And no, I couldn’t even feel it. Because the biopsy showed an aggressive form of breast cancer, I immediately went on a roller coaster of tests, meetings, examinations, and balancing my health needs with the care my husband needs. We didn’t wait. Six weeks after the first mammo I was in surgery to remove a small lump. No cancer cells had migrated to the lymph nodes, so that was good news. The surgeon, Dr. G, said the tumor was fully encapsulated with no migration. Then, it was off to chemo.

The oncologist, Dr. D, walked us through everything I would undergo. Terry had his questions answered. So did I. We met with the education nurse for what to expect. We met with the nurse navigators for a more precise mapping of treatments. I had a combination of infusions: anti-nausea drug first, immunotherapy second, and finally chemo therapy twelve times. The medical team promised I’d have no nausea. They were right. They suggested that the combination of drugs would cause me to feel fatigued (they were right) and I would probably lose my hair (boy, were they right).

Within a month of ending chemo, my hair began to grow back. It’s not thick yet, but it’s coming in white, just as I’d hoped.

I want to share my good fortune and add a warning. Ladies, suck it up and get your annual mammograms. A few minutes of discomfort is worth it.

Here’s to spring with its fresh green leaves, lovely flowers, and blue skies. Here’s to walks with my husband, weekend trips to small towns, and visits to friends and family. I’ll see you all along the way.

Be well, all, and thank you for your support and for being my friend.

Betsy

P.S. Left to right is Matt, one of my radiology nurses, then Terry, then me. and on the right is my nurse navigator, Lindsey. Love you all.