Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Untitled!


Last Friday was my cancerversary. Exactly one year ago I found a lump in my left breast, which, needless to say, is no longer with me. Lefty is now being stored in a back room of MDAnderson Cancer Center, on a lower shelf somewhere, I’m sure.

Coincidentally - or maybe not - the last of my treatments (radiation) finished up last Tuesday. The complete cancer adventure took one whole year, a year with few highs and lots of lows. How working women or women with small children get through cancer treatment amazes me. They have my utmost respect.

But on the encouraging side, the whole thing is doable. It might not be fun. There might be other things one wants to do with that year, but cancer treatment is a demanding mistress and one must give it its due and then get on with life.

For me, I now wait six months (at least) for that area to heal so I can have breast reconstruction (or not. That decision doesn’t have to be made at the moment) or, at least, some scar repair and possibly the other boob removed. I’m weighing my options. My three-month tests all looked good. I’ll do them - and more - all over again in October.

Right now I’m feeling good and building up my strength again. Juan-and-Only and I walked to the neighborhood Wings ‘n More tonight, had dinner, and walked home. A big deal for me. Don’t know if the exercise worked off the good, greasy meal but it felt good to walk in the Texas heat.

I also want you all to know how much your support and prayers have meant to me and Juan. If I didn’t respond to your email or comment, I was probably overwhelmed at that moment and once I got behind in correspondence, the situation just overwhelmed me more! Forgive me and know that I valued the communication.

Love,


27 comments:

  1. Yipppeee!!
    Soo very good to hear from you..you've been on my mind so much lately..must be that one year mark!!
    I am glad that you are finished with treatment and back in action.
    I hope you continue to gain your strength back and get on with the next chapter in your life with your Juan & only!
    As always Prayers & Blessings~

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  2. I've been thinking about you and praying for you, girlie! I love that you were able to walk to dinner with your sweetie. It sounds like a great way to spend a summer evening!

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  3. Good to read your words, Cher. Hugs to you and Juan. ~Mindy

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  4. Cher: YYYYYYYYYEEEEEEEAAAAAHHHHHHHH, I have been checking and checking your blog to see how you were doing prayers are being answered it is so wonderful to hear the left boob is at home on the shelf and you are getting past some of the yucky stuff and on the road to recovery. With your talent, I can see a book in the works, or a stand up comedy show starring you!! We miss you at swim,YOU ARE THE ONLY ONE THAT MADE US DO FROGGIES, but I still do them religiously (in your honor).!!
    You are always in my prayers and I wish you a speedy recovery.
    Carol the m. o m. or queen whichever!!

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  5. Wow girl, that's WONDERFUL news!
    So glad to hear from you.
    It's hard to believe that it's been a year already. Rest up and I'm looking forward to having you back online, making us all laugh again.
    I miss that~
    :)

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  6. YAYYYYY! So good to see your post on here!!! You are in my daily prayers and I do believe that prayers DO get answered!! After all, there is alot more livin' to do out there in Texas and we are glad you are just pushin' through it all. Glad you just got rid of lefty! Righty can go solo! Prayers for your healing..... hugs ♥

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  7. Cher, so glad to read this and we will continue to be prayerful and hopeful for you to continue on your road to complete recovery. Blessings, Theresa

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  8. Your title is "Untitled!"? OK, that is funny! Glad to hear of your dinner stroll. That is a big deal. Praying for your renewed strength and continuing recovery.

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  9. Yippie eye oh ki aye!!!! I've been thinking of you and clicking over daily for months now! Here's to your complete recovery!!!

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  10. Just wanted to say I'm so glad to see you back on here and with good news. Still lifting you up!

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  11. Hi Cher, I've been wondering how you've been doing. Glad to hear you are keeping on keeping on! Keep us in the loop.

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  12. Hey Girlfriend!
    It was so nice to see you post. I've thought of you so often and kept you close by in my heart praying for the best! You will be just fine, I know that somehow. I've missed you.

    Take care, Sue

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  13. So glad you are doing better! Wishing you the best on your continuing recovery!

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  14. Greetings from Falls County,
    It was so good to see you tonight lady! We are delighted your home.

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  15. Great news!!! So delighted to hear all is going well at your joint.
    :-)
    BB

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  16. WhoooooHooooooo!!!!! Oh I was just absolutely delighted to see an updated blog post from you!! I'm glad you are doing ok and getting through treatment. I have missed you!!! Stay in contact with us! xoxoxoxo Well loads of hugs anyhow!

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  17. Such amazing news... I'm shouting to the world that The Texas Woman is doing great! Cher, you are my hero! Keep us posted on your progress... your peeps want to know!!! xoxox

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  18. I was excited when I saw that you posted. I'm so happy your year of treatment (torture) is over and I know you are a million-zillion times happier. I'm thanking God for your great news. I hope this year is filled with all happy things for you.
    -FringeGirl

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  19. Yippee, so glad to see you back on here and doing well. I was diagnosed in April and have "enjoyed" reading your blog. I pray your recovery continues to go well and is speedy.

    Shawn

    P.S.
    I totally agree with you on how women who work or have small children do this. I am blessed to be a stay at home mom, I have 2 teenagers still at home. They helped take care of me so hubby didn't have to take so much time off. I AM BLESSED FOR SURE!

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  20. Hey Cher! Glad to hear from you. I know you are glad to finally be finished with the treatments. We are hoping and praying for your recovery and strength building. Warrenton is just around the corner, maybe we can see you there. Soon...Susan

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  21. Loved finding your post this morning! Here in Houston we are part of your team too. Keep up the recovery.

    Hugs to you and your Juan and only.

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  22. See, I told you they were out there...waiting.

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  23. Cher, I am so happy to hear the good news and want to tell you that even if I have not been on line, you have been in prayers. There are lots of problems with my friend Sharon, another time. If and when you feel like lunch out, I will come and get you and we will go somewhere. and have lunch.

    Love,
    Barbara

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  24. sooooooooo good to hear from you again.....carry on Sister, and be well.....you are a SURVIVOR!!

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  25. It has been so long since we talked! I don't know what happened to me, but I got lost somewhere along the way! I am so proud of you for being the tough broad we all know and love!

    I'm gonna be better on writing. I promise!

    Malisa

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  26. I have been out of the loop so to speak for a while, checked your
    Blog & was glad to hear you are doing well. Miss your wit, hope to hear more good news. I am out here - thinking of you. Angie

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  27. I haven't been blogging or reading a lot this summer, but was glad to pop in and see that you are in recovery mode! May your health and strength return quickly! Karen

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