Chemo + Ten

It's official, Chemo is over. The last treatment was 10 days ago.
I met with my Surgical Oncologist, Nathan Williams MD, last Thursday for follow up and to plan for the future. Although he would strongly encourage me to continue in the clinical trial, he supports my decision to opt out. We made a plan to schedule and coordinate surgery with a plastic surgeon, Dr. Conway. They will work together on the surgery and reconstruction. We are thinking mid November. Time is needed for all of the chemicals to get out of my system. That will give me time to enjoy my Kripalu retreat, a gift from my daughter Jennie. Kripalu is a yoga center in Lenox, MA. They offer seminars, yoga, tai chi, meditation, nature walks, massage and so much more. A place to really rest and rejuvenate. I will be R & R ing the end of Oct.
After surgery, my newest grandchild will be born (11/22). Joy trumps discomfort!
More good news. I do not need radiation because my tumor was small and the lymph nodes were negative. That's a relief! Other than for surgery, I will be seen at the Hope Center only about every 6 months.
Now, I just go back to being normal? ( Right! Funny!) All I have to do is get my strength back, have my mouth heal, grow hair, grow eyelashes, and hope that food will, someday, taste good. Shouldn't take long........
There is a Paint it Pink Rally at Pack Square in Asheville next Thursday (10/7) from 4:30 to 7:00p. I don't wear pink and have nothing that color in my wardrobe but I just ordered my first pink shirt. I plan to be there and be part of this effort to find a cure. Breast Cancer should be something that we only read about in history books, like the Black Plague or Scurvy.
October is Breast Cancer Month. Please get your mammograms and do your self breast exams. It can save your life!