It’s been a year since I wrote about my journey with breast cancer, & I wanted to give you an update.
First of all, sharing my story last year was really weird and difficult. Honestly, there are those who have suffered so much more than me, & I didn’t feel my story would be of benefit to anyone. But telling it, has been a beneficial to me! I have received countless emails, facebook messages & responses to my blog that have given me hope, inspiration & strength. For that, I thank you for being brave enough to share with me!
In January I had my first MRI. A suspicious area in my right breast showed up. Ugh! So, in for a biopsy I went. A few days later the tests came back & they were negative. Woo, Hoo! I’m actually glad that happened because I know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that my surgeon will catch anything before it turns into cancer. Big praises that my July mammogram was clear!
My biggest adjustment this year (and last) has been with the Tamoxifen. For those of you who aren’t familiar with Tamoxifen, it’s a drug they give pre-menopausal women who have had an estrogen-positive tumor, which mine was. My Medical Oncologist’s goal is for me to go into menopause. However, I was having all the symptoms (hot flashes, mood swings, difficulty concentrating) without actually going into menopause. I was at the point where I was going to throw the drug down the commode. Before I did, I made a call to the Oncology Pharmacist & explained the difficulties I was having. He immediately did research for me on the benefits of Tamoxifen. He found that it was included in my 95% survival rate statistics. Without out it my survival rate may be in the 70-80% range. That’s when I made up my mind; I would stay on the drug. Over the past 18 months, I have worked with my doctor, & she has helped me to drastically diminish the side effects. Since April I have felt a thousand times better and know that I can make it through the final three years. I’m sharing this with you because I thought it was just stress, & I could handle it. After going on BreastCancer.org and reading the stories/symptoms of other women on Tamoxifen, I knew I wasn’t alone. And neither are you!!
Please continue to share with me and us! We need each other.
If you would like to help support the fight against breast cancer, please shop FFANY “Shoes on Sale” during the month of October. The big event is on Saturday, October 15th from 6-9pm. Following the show at 10PM ET, I will be hosting the FFANY webcast on QVC.com with 12 additional styles. Also check out the Kenneth Jay Lane Meaningful Bow Pin & Philosophy’s Limited Edition Hope in a Jar Pink!
Finally, let me give a shout out to my friend, Laura, who lost her fight with breast cancer this year. She was strong, courageous & brave to her last breath! I love you, my friend!
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