So much has happened since the last time I posted. I know I promised to keep this up....but it has been tough. Part of the reason is because of the Roller Coaster I have been on emotionally.
Some of the things 'of note' since last my last post:
In August I spoke in front of about 300 people at a breakfast kick-off for American Cancer Society's Making Strides (5k) event coming this October. It was very nerve wracking (sp?).
And a big thanks to Cindy and Suzie and Jeff for coming to the event to "hold my hand". It looks like I did ok becuase I have been asked to speak at another event at the Citrus Club in front of yet another large group October 5th. If I could just figure out a way to get paid speaking about Breast Cancer I'd have it made.....
I STILL, as of this date, have NOT started any new treatment for my rediscovered mets (back in early July?) SOO....it's been a long, long wait and it's made me nervous as hell. A little too nervous.
I found out I qualified for a new drug Tykerb (see earlier post) but my Oncologist's office has taken MONTHS to get into the program. The waiting has made me borderline NUTS....alright, if you talk to Jeff he will correct me and say CERTIFIABLY NUTS. Of all the thing I have been through in the last four 4 years....this waiting has got to be one of my worst experiences.
I finally made the decision to switch Oncologists (HUGE UNDERTAKING)....and as of today I am now a patient of MD Anderson. (Ranked 2nd in Nation for Cancer Care behind Sloan Kettering)
I had my first consultation today with the Oncologist and got the full dog and pony of the facility.
I am going away this Wednesday-Sunday with a bunch of girlfriends to San Destin. (Never been there before and now have been twice in one year!) Once I get back..starting on September 18th I begin practically a full week of tests and scans. Seems like every day that week I will be at Doctor's. By Sept 22nd I will get instructions on my new treatment....whatever it may be. I am just relieved to be MOVING in any direction.
This so called summer of fun and surfing was spent mostly hand-wringing and waiting and being very anxious and irritable. I NEED this vacation. I'm sure Jeff could use a vacation from me too!
ALSO big news: I am taking a break from work for a few months. It was something I needed to do primarliy so I could focus on getting my treatment in the right direction....which turned into a full time job.
It was tough to pull away from the job and the company I work for. I have been with the same company for 2 1/2 years and they have been great to work with. I miss the "action"....but I'm starting to relish the free time.
To anybody out there in blog world who actually reads this damn thing...sorry I have been so remiss.
I will have tons to talk about when I get back from my trip to San Destin....also will have tons to talk about with my new Doctor's and treatment...... AND don't forget it's almost PINK RIBBON MONTH (I used to love the color pink) October was my favorite month and pink was my favorite color. Can we turn BC awareness month into like November or March and make the color yellow or something else.
OK mostly being sarcastic....October can be overwhelming when you're not only a survivor but still a patient. BUT I am involved in umpteen fundraising and BC awareness events in October. So you will be hearing more from me....probably directly too...to hit you up for some type of participation!!
And I am sure by October I will be hitting you up for job leads too! Something that pays a ton of money with great benefits and no accountability. :)
