“Dearly Beloved we are gathered here today to get through this thing called life,” -- Prince

For those of you who knew me in high school and early college, you knew Prince was my Jam.  I can’t say I listen to him much these days, but his music takes me back.  

It’s been one year since I was told “I’m sorry to tell you, your biopsy is positive for cancer.”   Amazing to remember every detail of the call.  I was working, at a patient’s home, sitting at the kitchen table doing an admission.  Working for Winona Health, when Winona Health pops up on the caller ID, you never know, is it the office or is it personal.  I remember stepping out on the foyer, taking the call, listening to these crazy words, going back to the kitchen table, finishing the visit, not looking Jodi in the eyes afraid I will start crying, going to the car, confirming yes with Jodi, calling Paul, trying to finish the day’s work….All the details, all so fresh, yet so long ago.  

So much has happened since that phone call.  Unfortunately, no one has been able to tell me, “you are now cancer free.”   The best I will get at this time is “there is no evidence of disease.”   It’s this fear that I will live with for the rest of my life with the next 5 years being a strong focus on reoccurrence.  We have been aggressive in how we have and continue to treat my cancer.  I am currently taking a hormone blocker and a targeted breast cancer therapy drug.  Both have side effects that I am learning to cope with.    I will continue with OT, PT, routine blood tests, multiple follow ups with Surgery and Oncology.  They are all keeping a close eye on me for a while. 

We have been attempting to live a normal life and be a little crazy.   Paul had rotator cuff surgery and is recovering well; it’s been another good distraction for me taking care of him.  We are still training for our 60 mile walk in September.  We have had many training walks, with longest so far 13 miles.  Looking forward to many more miles together and with friends.   Laura’s Fireballs will be walking 60 miles September 16-18 in Chicago.  I am joining a few for Stepping out in Pink on September 10th in La Crosse. I hope to have a large group walk at the Winona Think Pink Color fun run on October 8th.  

I have been meeting with some really wonderful ladies over the last 12 months guiding me through this journey.  These relationships have led me to wanting to do more for our community related to breast cancer.  A group of five survivors have been meeting to develop a plan for breast cancer support in our area.  I am excited about our progress and can’t wait to see where we go.   More to come soon.   

So, time to “Go Crazy” with new adventures, new stories and new friends.

Peace and love to all.

Laura