Chemo, Radiation done done done

[MarciaB]

Hi all!
It's been a long time since I posted. I finished chemo treatments for breast cancer before Christmas. It was one of those things, like childbirth, that's hell while going through it, but the memory quickly fades. I ended up losing all my hair, eyebrows and eyelashes - and can you believe it - gaining weight! The chemo nurses PROMISED me I would lose weight! I finished 33 radiation treatments a week ago. My underarm got fried, but it peeled off and is fine now. All that remains is a semi-permanent tan on that side.

Monday I meet with my plastic surgeon to discuss finishing reconstruction of my new perky boobs. Unfortunately, that won't happen for a couple more months while the radiation settles down. I'm REALLY ready to be put back together and get on with life. I'm going to miss my wig, though. It is so much better than my real hair - all these years I thought it was the boobs, now I know the truth - IT'S THE HAIR.

So what's life like after valve replacement and cancer? I always had limited expectations for living to a ripe old age. Now I add 15% to 20% chance of the cancer coming back. I feel that I must LIVE for all it's worth. I'm sure the feeling will fade with time, but for now it feels like no holds barred go for it enthusiasm. Which feels pretty darned good.

Marcia

 

[Ross]

I've been wondering and worried about you for a LONG TIME! I should spank you, but I think you've been beaten enough. I don't have Cancer, but I have that knowledge that I can go at anytime and it surely does kick you into wanting to do everything you can and not waste any of your time. They've been wrong about my demise so far. Hopefully you'll be in the clear for along time to come also.

 

[kodi]

Glad to hear the bad stuff is finished. I'm a 11 1/2 year cancer survivor...you women get the breast stuff, us guys get the prostate stuff, which is what I had. I did a radical followed by 25 radiation treatments. My PSA is 0.0 and has been since surgery. So what is my life expectancy, who knows? I'm now 5 months out of AVR and doing great. In my family we've had early deaths 49 for one of my brothers and 102 for my mother and everything in between. My oldest bro is 88 and has had 2 AVRs...but no cancers.
I think it's just something we have no control over and never will. When our time is up, we're gone. Just make the best of what we have and thankful that we can get up each morning and enjoy the day.

 

[Phyllis]

Good to hear from you Marcia. I'm glad it is all behind you now and I like your attitude. Live each and every day to the hilt and your attitude will take you a long way! Best wishes for a long and happy, healthy life!

 

[hensylee]

atta Girl. You go! Bless your heart; it's good to see you and hear you. Blessins...........

 

[Nancy]

Marcia-

So glad to hear it's over. Congratulations! It's a very big hill to climb.

 

[geebee]

Marcia,

Your post reminds me of a quote I really like (not sure who said it):

We're all going to die; that's not our problem. Our problem is how to LIVE until we die."​

It sounds like you are so ready to live life fully now and I hope and wish you all the best. Even with heart issues and cancer, one never knows for sure when the end will come so it is very important to savor each morsel of life left on our plate.

Praying that you have fun and good health (along with great new hair and boobs).

 

[Andrew'sMom]

glad to hear the chemo is done ... congrats & enjoy life, you have a great outlook & attitude!

 

[Nan]

Congratulations on finishing up your chemo and radiation, but even more on your great attitude! I hope you get on the carousel of life and grab the golden ring!

 

[ruth]

Congrats on making it through! Your attitude sounds wonderful.

My mom is a 2x breast cancer survivor, mastectomies 25 years apart. So, it's possible to beat it not just once but twice! Dr's say the cases were completely unrelated, just bad luck.

Wishing you all the best,
Ruth

 

[marky]

Bravo!!
Your attitude is beautiful.. sounds like you know how to enjoy life!! congrats for wrapping up that chapter.. now may the next be wonderful!

 

[WayneGM]

Congratulations on completing your chemo treatments. Wishing you all the best.

 

[lynn]

Hi Marcia! Welcome to the SURVIVORS club! I will be 4 years out next week...so we sort of flip-flopped our ailments. I didn't have the heavy duty, hair losing chemo that you had, nor radiation, so I can't help you there. But, I did have recon and tattooing (pm me if you want info ) and I will tell you that everything gets better with time. It all seems like a distant bad dream now and you do live one day at a time and make it your best!! L

 

[Karlynn]

Marsha, it's so good to see your post! We've missed you and your joyful sense of humor. I'm glad to read that your treatment is behind you. I'm sure you are a beauty, bald head, extra weight and all. God bless!

 

[Mary]

Marcia,
It's great to hear that you've finished all treatments and are itching to get on with your life.
Enjoy!