Good news as I get the all clear

20th May

In August of last year I was diagnosed with breast cancer which had spread to the lymphatic system. My life changed and things went into over drive.
For the last nine months or so I have had two operations, chemotherapy and countless scans and tests. It is a journey that you have to take step by step but towards the end your body starts to tell you enough is enough. You hope it has all been worthwhile.
Well two days ago I sat in front of my oncologist and awaited the latest verdict on my health after all the treatment. The news was good. I have been given the all clear as my blood test results were very good and the scan revealed that there is no cancer in my breast. So far so good. There is a little cause for caution though. I have three nodules in my lungs. They are not sure exactly what these are but seem to think they are insignificant. We will have to keep an eye on them though. Breast cancer has a tendency to spread to the lungs, brain, bones and liver.
I left the hospital having being booked in for a mammogram in August, can’t forget about the health of my other breast! I have started a five year course of hormone tablets called Tamoxifeno and I am booked in for another CAT scan and blood tests in six months, ahead of my next check-up.
I have also just had confirmation that I will start radiotherapy at the beginning of June so everything seems to be moving in the right direction. Providing everything goes well with the radiotherapy I will then meet with my surgeon to book a date for breast reconstruction which will involve two more operations. As I keep saying, step by step. The one thing I know for sure is that there will come a day when this all ends.
This summer will be a little difficult as I have to stay out of the sun! A bit complicated in Spain but I certainly won’t be requiring any more radiation so I will have to be sensible. I still intend to swim but in the evenings when the sun isn’t so fierce. I bought a normal swimming costume and had a little pocket inserted into it to accommodate my aqua breast! The mastectomy swimwear is extremely expensive so I thought it was a better option.
All in all I am feeling brighter. It is hard to keep your energy levels up and a permanent smile on your face but you just have to accept that you are human and that you will have better days than others. I believe everything happens for a reason in life and as I come out the other side of this maelstrom I think that something interesting, challenging and exciting is waiting for me.
Hope springs eternal.