12/20/11 I am 49 years old, married with 2 grown children, 2 semi-psychotic dogs and 2 lazy orange cats. On 10/30/11 I discovered a lump in my right breast and was diagnosed with Stage 2, Grade 3 invasive ductal carcinoma. Breast Cancer. I have had two biopsies after mammogram and ultrasound, an MRI, heart scan and surgery. I am about to begin chemotherapy, followed by radiation and estrogen suppression. I try to find humor in most situations and there have been some cringe worthy and down right funny moments over the past 2 months. I want to share my journey to being a cancer survivor by trying my hand at blogging.
6/19/12 I have now completed chemotherapy, had my power port removed, been tested for the BRCA gene and will begin radiation next week. Still blogging. Still laughing.
8/20/12 I am done with active treatment, having completed radiation on 8/17/12. I lost a week in July when my sister unexpectedly passed away. Ironically having treatment to focus on got me through the first very difficult weeks after her death. A bone density scan shows strong bones and the addition of Calcium along with daily weight bearing exercise will keep them that way. Today I started taking Tamoxifen and, as with the chemo, I am telling myself that side effects are not mandatory. I’m not always the best listener. I’ll keep you posted.
4/29/2013 My husband became a grandfather!
6/6/13. I am a widow.
12/11/15. In 4 years this blog has morphed from dealing with cancer, to dealing with widowhood and life in general to a kind of rant of things that irritate me. It feels right.
5/29/16 . Why still blogging? because seeing the humor in things is much easier and a lot less messy than opening a vein and blogging about it all is certainly a lot cheaper than therapy.
Hi Susan, I would like to contact you by email – if that’s ok with you? My email is beyondbreastcancer@live.com. Thanks.
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Sure, Marie.
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I enjoy reading your blog. Although I’m only at the beginning of my journey, I believe that wry humor can get us through just about anything without losing our minds.
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It certainly helps! Good luck with your own journey. I’ll be following along 🙂
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Hi Susan,
I wish you all the best on your journey. I started chemo this a.m. and so far, so good. I will be following with you.
Lynne
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Thank you, Lynne. Best to you, too!
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Chin up chest out (what’s left of it) I’m right there with you Susan and I love the name of your blog.
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Thanks, Tina 🙂
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Thanks for stopping by my blog. Seems like we have a lot in common, including our first name. Sounds like you’re in Maine? My daughter lives there.
Congrats on being done with the treatment. You’ve had quite a year. Glad to see you can do it with some humor. The way I see it, we either laugh or cry about it all. The choice is ours with all life hands us.
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There has been plenty to laugh about, thankfully. 🙂 I’m in central Maine. Have you visited the area?
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Yes, fell in love with it but now they are moving to another state next month. We were mostly visiting in the Brunswick area, enjoyed the beautiful coastline.
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You keep inspiring me!
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Likewise 🙂
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I am at the beginning of my cancer experience and was looking for other writers to help me through. I look forward to reading–
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I’ve just found your blog as well. It’s a lot to process at the beginning but having the blog and connecting with others at various stages of treatment is a great help.
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Did you have surgery, too?
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Yes. I had a lumpectomy.
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Hi,
I have a quick question about your blog, would you mind emailing me when you get a chance?
Thanks,
Cameron
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Well shit! You’ve certainly been dealt a bad hand for the past few years! I’m sorry I haven’t visited sooner. It sounds like you still kick ass and take names. And if you don’t, that’s okay too…I’m still going to think of you as a badass.
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I’m glad you’re here now. 🙂 I have been enjoying your blog for some time.
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Hi Susan,
I want to echo The Life ofJamie up above and say “well shit!”
Sorry there is so much of it flying your way. I admire your strength (don’t you HATE it when people say that), your humor and your unwillingness to crumble.
You go girl.
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Yes. Shit. That about sums it up. I just found your blog. Thanks for stopping by mine. 🙂
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Hi Susan,
Thanks somuch for stopping by Riding Bitch and the follow. I’m sorry for all you’ve been through, and now a recent widow too. Ugh. Life is a shit sandwich sometimes. You sound very resilient and funny. Humor is the best weapon, in my opinion. Looking forward to following your journey.
best,
Niva
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Thanks for stopping by my blog. I’m looking forward to catching up on yours.
Susan
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Susan, I would like to speak with you privately. Please email me @
mari_de_el_mar@yahoo.com
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Thanks for stopping by my blog, Susan. Always good to hear from another cancer survivor. Unfortunate we also have widowhood in common. Blessings.
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Yeah, cancer and widowhood. Two clubs we were kind of forced into.
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A fellow blog follower if yours recommended your blog to me. I so sorry for your losses and your chosen battle with Cancer. Thank you for your honest generous sharing of your experiences. Looking forward to reading more.
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I meant “Unchosen” battle with cancer – stupid ass auto correct!
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Thank you for stopping by the blog, Lorraine. 🙂
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So sorry for your loss:( You’ve been through it all. Best wishes for happier days ahead!
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Thank you for stopping by my blog, Cindy, and for your kind words
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Susan, thank you for reading my blog. I am sorry for your losses as well as your battle with cancer. In my grief fog, I do believe we may have corresponded before but just in case we didn’t, I am so very sorry for everything that has been thrown at you and I hope you continue to remain mainly hopeful. Hugs, Dee
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Thank you, Dee.
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You seem inspiring.
Looking forward to following along your journey.
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Thank you. Looking forward to your wit as well 🙂
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Your words (my reality) have hit close to my heart. I also went through cancer and then lost my husband too soon this March. I hear you when you say I am fine, but you are not.
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I’m so sorry about your husband, Susan. And thank you for reading/commenting on my last post. I took it down after a good night sleep and realizing that it was taking people to task that would be hurt. That wasn’t my intention.
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