These photos were taken almost exactly a year apart. Last year, I was in California helping my daughter. This year, I can barely get out of bed. I’ve lost my hair and about fifty pounds. I’m covered in rashes and scaly patches. As bad as I look, I feel worse. But I am happier today (and more grateful) than I was a year ago.
Why?
Maybe when you are forced to fight and struggle for something you appreciate it more. I have been blown away by the support of my family, friends and even strangers. My kids have really stepped up to help – organizing fundraisers, running errands, taking over chores. My husband (who hates waiting and has never gone to the doctor with me or the kids before) has taken me to all my appointments, labs and treatments without complaint.
I am lucky.
Everyone’s journey with breast cancer is different. Some people are able to have surgery and be done. Others have chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation or a combination of all three. Some people gain weight, some people lose weight. Some tolerate treatment well with few symptoms, others struggle. Some people lose their hair, some don’t.
The type of cancer I have (triple negative) is very aggressive, so my treatment is as well. I’m currently doing chemotherapy (every Monday for 24 weeks) that includes Paclitaxel and Carboplatin. Every three weeks, I also get immunotherapy with Pembrolizumab. Every Friday, I get lab work done to ensure I am strong enough to handle treatment. This week, I wasn’t. Instead of my regular treatment, I had to go in twice for injections to boost my white blood cells.
Even after these six months are up, I won’t be done. It will be surgery, followed by another six months of immunotherapy. I will also get 6-8 weeks of radiation (five days a week). Hopefully, all this will be worth it, and I will achieve pCR (pathological complete response).
Whatever happens, I will continue to fight and choose to be happy.
If you want to donate to medical expenses, participate in the fundraiser (February is a Valentine’s gift basket raffle), or buy me a coffee, here is the information: