One year today!

1openheart

About this very time of the afternoon last April 28th, I was sitting here on my couch much like I am today when I got the phone call that changed our lives forever.  It was my surgeon calling with the results of my stereo tactic biopsy.  I was just sure I would be in the 80% with a benign results like I had been twice before.  But, this time I was in the unlucky 20% and it took my breath away.

Fast forward to this afternoon, April 28, 2012.  I have lost one breast and had a new one made, had my remaining breast lifted, had my first tattoo (areola....nothing fun) and been poked, felt up, and prodded more than I ever thought I would be in my life.  Most importantly, I have come through this year stronger, braver, more full of grace and gratitude than I would be if I had not been diagnosed with cancer.  I know I chose my friends well, because when I needed them in my darkest hours, they were there come hell or high water.  My guys, my husband and son, were so scared and worried for me, but they always put my needs before their own.  Some of my extended family were walking beside me every step of the way.....some, not so much.  But I guess I was not really surprised by that.  It just confirmed what I already knew to be true.

I write this because I hope to let those of you just beginning your journey know that you will see the other side.  I consider myself "lucky" to have found my cancer on my diagnostic mammogram before it had sneaked out of my ducts and become invasive.  I had a great team of doctors who took wonderful care of me and continue to do so as we move into the follow up phase.  I cannot and will not say that I know what those of you who need more invasive and extensive treatment are going though and my heart goes out to each of you as you navigate your treatment.  

I think me and my husband are going to go out to our favorite "special occasion" dinner place tonight to celebrate reaching the one year mark.  I may even take the remaining side of the  boob cake that I froze after my boob voyage party last year out of the freezer.  We only ate one side and I froze the other to eat a year later.  Maybe I'll save it to celebrate the day I became NED - the date of my UMX in June.

I got through this because I had to and you will too.  This site was truly a life saver in rough seas.  Thanks to all of you who were there for me.  Most of you don't even know how much you helped me.   I lurked for months and only joined a couple of months ago because I felt it was time to pass it forward.  Thank you, thank you a million times over.

Wendyspet

What a beautiful post!  Wishing you health and happiness.

SheChirple

Wow, well said.  I am behind you by about 6 months, but similar journey.  Your sentiments could have been written by me.

Here's to another year or 50.....

LAstar

Congratulations!  It's nice to remember that, at some point, there can be a happy ending to all of this!  

Myleftboob

Thank you for posting!! I'm 4 months since my DX, UMX, Chemo just finished and will be moving on to Herceptin for the balance of the year and of course the Tamox train.  At some point reconstruction. Its good know that a year down the road I can look back and do the same.

Enjoy your dinner out AND your boob cake with your hubby!!  Congratulations!

1openheart

Wendy,SheChirple, lastar and myleftboob.....  Thank you for all of the good wishes and kind words. Turns out our special place was closed tonight for a private event.  Good thing we called first!  Still had a nice dinner at our regular place around the corner.  

Have a wonderful weekend! 

PoliceWife84

Congratulations Sweetie!

   I'm right behind you! it will be 2 years for me May 28th, and I will celebrate my 34th birthday on May 26th! I can't imagine a better gift! God Bless!

Love,

Brandi  

1openheart

Congrats right back at you Brandi!  So sorry you had to deal with this at such a young age.  Glad you are doing so well!

Shayne

Thank you for posting.....in my darkest moments....of which there are many.....I often doubt there will ever be a light at the end of this horrible tunnel.  Its good to know that one day there is. 

1openheart

Shayne....you are welcome.  All of this is so fresh and tender for you now and the unknown ahead is still so scary.  But, hopefully you will grow from this experience and come through healthy and whole.  Life does slowly get back to a normal rhythem.  I'm having a great day today.  I had lunch with my son and daughter in law who are in town for a friend's wedding tonight.  They live half way across the country, so any time with them is precious to me.  They were just married last November, and looking forward to that day is what got me through some of the roughest times last year.

Good luck with your surgery and treatments.  You will get through this.  I'll be thinking of you and sending lots of calming, healing, positive energy your way. 

Shayne

thank you!

cailindearg

Thanks for posting this !! Congratulations, wishing you the very best !!