It has been quite awhile since I have posted an update but today I am 1-year post lumpectomy!!!!! I was chatting with a friend that it seems like both the longest and shortest year of my life all at the same time. All of my most recent doctor's appointments continue to deliver promising news and every year I get further away from diagnosis decreases my likelihood of reoccurrence. 

I am feeling pretty good but the side effects from the daily medication I take are less than desirable. Because my tumor was estrogen positive, I am on arimidex- an estrogen blocker that aims at ridding my body of any remaining estrogen- to prevent any tumor growth should there be an remaining cancer cells in my system. Instant menopause from my surgery in September to remove my ovaries + the medication has taken some getting used to. My doctor reassures me that these side effects are all normal and as long as I am not miserable, the positives in preventing reoccurrence, far outweigh the negative. 

Although I know I am not whining the next part feels like it to me sometimes. I think it is important though to be honest and share and express emotions so I did not want to leave this part out.
The morning is the most challenging. My joints are usually very stiff and achy and I feel I must look like I am in my 80s, but fortunately I like to move, and moving makes thing s tolerable. I am fortunate that I am still able to run, walk, swim, lift, etc.. and that makes everything so much better!  Hot flashes are becoming less frequent and I do get to laugh and giggle with my co-workers when they see me taking off layers of clothing a couple times per day and then putting my blanket back on my lap when I get cold again :) My weekly glass or 2 of wine has become far less frequent as it intensifies the hot flashes and joint aches so most weeks I go without. My skin has become saggy and the muscle tone I used to quickly be able to acquire with lifting has become allusive. Vain for sure, but I understand where my previous personal training clients were coming from when they would talk about their body changes when going through menopause. Again- I am grateful to be able to move, and more importantly be alive, but it sucks a little bit sometimes knowing that I have 4.5 years left on these meds. 

From a positive- I am sleeping great, running a bunch, have amazing kids, a husband that loves me, co-workers who are the best you will ever find, and a community of family and friends that have my back and have shown me the power of love, community, and support. I will continue to have check-ups with my oncology team every 3-6 months and fortunately they are super fun and really take the time to listen and understand. Thank you for taking the time to read this and thank you for being a part of my journey!!! Love you all very much!!