Back to a cancer free life!

Two weeks ago, I had my last visit with my oncology NP. I had breast cancer twice, a 1 cm IDC in 2003 and a 1.4 ILC, same breast, in Dec 2018. I refused Tamoxifen with my first cancer, but had chemo and radiation. I only had surgery, mastectomy with DIEP reconstruction, in 2019. I took Letrozole for 6 months, I wish I never took it, but it's water over the dam now. I was close to canceling my appointment, I REALLY wanted to cancel it, but I didn't and I am so glad I kept it. I was scheduled to have a US on my left breast to confirm a previous diagnosis of fat necrosis, and a mammogram on my right breast as well as seeing the oncology NP. Both US and mammogram were negative.

What a great visit! I dreaded the visit because I wanted to return to the medical care I had before my second diagnosis, with mammogram scripts written by my PCP or gynecologist. I was afraid I would be met with resistance but I wasn't! Instead, my NP said it was a reasonable request, especially since I am not doing hormone therapy. I am so glad I had my visit and was able to discus my feelings with my oncology NP and didn't just do it on my own. That visit, knowing my NP and I were on the same page and hearing her input, was what I needed in order to really move forward with my life.

It feels so good to move on and not feel I am just waiting for breast cancer to return! I truly feel liberated!

I think it is important to know that a cancer free life can and actually does, happen!