An update is long overdue, friends, and I apologize for not being more communicative. Here’s a brief outline of what’s been happening.

• Despite looking like Telly Sevalas or Mr. Evil (take your pick!), I feel well overall. My last chemo treatment was at the end of October, and the side effects (neuropathy, joint pain) are beginning to ease up, but no hair growth yet. 

• I saw my oncologist in November and began taking Femara (letrozole), a nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitor (lowers estrogen production) that is usually used to treat breast cancer in postmenopausal women. It has its own side effects, but so far so good. I'm not sure how long I'll be taking it, but time will tell.

• I will have monthly blood work and see my oncologist every 3 months for the next 2 years. If there’s no recurrence during that time, those visits will occur less frequently. They’ll do scans if blood work or the way I feel raises concern.

• I’m having my port removed next week. I could opt to keep it in, but I want my body back and the port, although not painful, is a nagging reminder of an experience I’m ready to move on from.

Thank you to all for your caring, encouragement, and support. I feel lucky to have the chemotherapy behind me, and I am hopeful that I won’t need it again. My best to all of you in 2020 and please know I appreciate you greatly.