I think this is the happiest I have ever felt about starting a new year. :)
The year 2012 definitely goes in the books as one of my toughest years ever, both physically and emotionally.
When I was diagnosed with breast cancer on March 16th of last year, I had no idea what I was in for. Honestly, if you had asked me then if I thought I was going to be able to handle all that I ended up having to endure, I would have said, "No way!"
Yes..I definitely went through some low points: being admitted to the hospital due to dangerously low white blood cell counts; excruciatingly painful mouth sores that seemed to last forever; and an unbelievably painful skin reaction to radiation.
But to my surprise - after a double mastectomy/oopherectomy (which, of course, put me into menapause), five months of chemotherapy, and 33 radiation treatments, and the above-mentioned low points - I can proudly announce that I survived. And I feel stronger for it.
Now, I am ready to take 2013 by storm. My skin is pretty much completely healed since my final radiation treatment on 12/21, and my energy level is improving all of the time. I have joined a gym and am so looking forward to getting back into a regular exercise routine. I am especially excited to start doing yoga again. I am also working on eating more natural, whole foods.
Since I am no longer having to drive to Seattle for daily radiation treatments, I am also starting to sign up for substitute teaching jobs left and right. I will be doing a long-term gig (8-10 weeks) in a 3rd grade classroom, starting in February. Yay! I am hopeful that my three years of subbing experience, including four long-term positions, will help me land a permanent position next school year.
On another note, I would love any positive thoughts/prayers sent my way as I undergo a CT scan on Tuesday. When I was first diagnosed, the radiologist saw a couple spots, one on my lung and the other on my spleen that they were minimally concerned about. My oncologist let me know early on that we would be doing this follow up CT scan after treatment to make sure that both of those areas are stable. She also assured me that she wasn't concerned, but just wants to make sure we dot all of our "i"s and cross all of our "t"s. Regardless, I am anxious to get the test done and have the results in hand.
I also started taking the estrogen-blocking drug this week, which I will continue to take every day for at least five years. And I will most likely get my reconstructive surgery done this summer. I have to say I am definitely looking forward to my new rack, and the cute bra shopping that will go with it :)
That's all for now. Happy New Year! Here's to a healthy 2013, everyone!
