As I get closer to my one year survivorship of breast cancer, I get a little emotional and anxious for that date to arrive and pass. I have to reflect on the past year to help me realize that I am beating this cancer. I relayed with a team at the Tri for the Cure in August 2013, ran in the Denver Race for the Cure September 29, 2013 and just completed the Romp to Stomp Breast Cancer snowshoe 5k event on March 1 in Frisco, Colorado.
When I was diagnosed with breast cancer on September 18, 2012, I was devastated. Facing surgery, chemo and radiation, the only person I knew that had breast cancer was my paternal grandmother who passed away at the age of 54 when I was 9 years old. I was approaching the age of 54 and found strength to fight and survive with every treatment that my doctor prescribed. The surgery was the worst. My cancer surgeon and plastic surgeon teamed up and determined that the tumor was in the right place and I was the right candidate to do a bilateral reduction in the same surgery as the lumpectomy. I know I am very lucky but the recovery has been long and painful.
So now, I have a "right" size chest with my own breasts, still scarred but survived. My hair is slowly coming with curls and waves that has me styling my hair different than the long hair I sported for many years. And I have inspired 2 others facing the diagnosis and needed support to get through the treatments. I look forward to celebrating one year and many years to come!
Arvada, CO