I just wanted to apologize for my dark mood in the last post. I had been feeling very tired and down for a few days and the prospect of more surgery was more than I could face. I guess that's to be expected now and again, but I am feeling much better and more optimistic today.
On the news this morning Martina Navritalova announced in a press conference she has breast cancer. Best wishes and prayers to her. I was happy she urged women to get their yearly mammogram no matter what. I will second that. Ladies, we all know it's a major drag and a pain in the butt to go for our mammograms. It's uncomfortable--in fact it hurts, darn it,--but keep in mind it could save your life. I was told that 20 years ago, one in 20 women got breast cancer, now the statistic is one in eight women will get breast cancer. There is SO much the medical community can do if they find it early. Please, please get your mammograms and do your self-exams as well! My aunt found her lump while doing a self-exam. I don't want to sound preachy, but really, If I can convince just one woman to do this I'll be happy.
I noticed Martina said in her announcement that her cancer was not invasive. That's great news. My type was a very invasive form of cancer. Before I caught myself I found myself doing a little one-upsmanship with her. MY cancer was invasive, yours wasn't! Ha. So what? Do we get extra points for having a more serious case of cancer or more involved treatment? No, of course not. We all have the same disease and we are all fighting for our lives. Every woman's journey is different but in no way is less or more valid. We're all in this together. Smacking myself.
I have started taking Tamoxifen. Two pills a day for 5-10 years. Wow. That seems like a long time. I know in time I won't even think about it, but for now it seems like a lot.
Before I go for my next surgery I have to massage the mastectomy area to break up the scar tissue. The doctor said my area is rather stiff right now and I need to break that up. I have to say, though, it HURTS to massage that area! Also, the thought crossed my mind, when does one do this? Before bed? After my shower? In traffic on the way home? Seriously, I can just see the faces of the other cars at the stop light next to me (WTF?!?!)! I decided right after my morning shower and right before bed is best.
Not much else to report right now. For now all is well. Hope it is with you, too! Take care.
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I was laughing out loud at the thought of doing the massage in the car. Hilarious! -- Donna
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