Julie’s Story

Site created on February 20, 2018

Although I never imagined wanting to activate a site like this, welcome to my CaringBridge website. I am using it to keep family and friends updated in one place. After ten years of regular, yet often dicey, mammograms, I was recently diagnosed with very early stage and highly treatable  breast cancer. We appreciate your support and words of hope and encouragement. Thank you for visiting. Welcome to my journey! 

Newest Update

Journal entry by Julie Anderson

Life update: I am 100 days into retirement and thoroughly enjoying every moment. There is no shortage of fun things to do. I am Blessed beyond measure. I am Grateful for all of the wonderful things in my life. I have spent time camping, enjoying the outdoors, working on my tan, volunteering with Aurora Team Phoenix, exercising a lot, eating healthy, sleeping well, spending time with family and finding so much joy not being in the office anymore. I recommend retirement 10/10. It’s awesome.  I expect many good things for our family in coming months and years. 
Heath update: I saw my oncologist today. We discussed the 5-year anniversary of my remaining cancer free. I have lost over 10# since I retired, my blood work and blood pressure reflects that, and the doctor is very pleased that I’m doing so well. Having said that, she would like me to continue taking the “anti-hormone” pill daily for another 1-2 years because my cancer was 100% hormone positive and the medicine blocks all estrogen. It cannot hurt me, since I don’t have osteoporosis and I’m tolerating the drug with few side effects. The best news is that she said I can now see her once a year instead of every 6 months. Rejoice! 
I will never again take my health for granted. I am spending a lot of time these days praying for friends who are dealing with cancer diagnoses and treatments. Cancer does not care how much you work, how much money you have in the bank, if you drive the newest car or take extravagant trips. Since I left work, it has taken a few months for me to fully realize that my career was a great one, but I sacrificed precious time with my kids and family for the sake of my job…and I am replaceable and was replaced before my work chair cooled off, and that is 100% ok! I’m glad I had the self-awareness to realize that it was time for me to walk out the door and not look back. Thankful for that sign from God!
Thank you so much for following my blog since 2018. I appreciate it so very much. I am overjoyed to have made it through the initial 5 years, by getting healthier (mentally and physically). Your care, support and kind words were welcomed more than you know. 
Most importantly, I extend heartfelt thanks to Steve Anderson for being here for me through every step of this cancer care journey.  
Peace, Love & Hope always. Cheers! 
Signing off now!
 Julie 

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