You asked for it, you got it…….. an update!! 

Rest assured, this is a true case of “no news is good news” THANKFULLY!

When I last updated this Caring Bridge site, I had just completed my surgery and received the fantastic news that they had successfully removed all of the cancer, the cells were all dead, clean margins and no lymph node involvement. I couldn’t have asked for any better news.

Since that time, I have continued to heal from the surgery to the point of starting my 6 weeks of radiation. Today I am celebrating another milestone in my treatment progress. I went in for my FINAL RADIATION appointment this morning!!! This is a big celebration because it means we turn the page and move in to the next chapter of this fascinating journey. 

So, some of you may be wondering, “How the heck are you”????

I feel pretty darned good. I am tired some days so I need to pace my activities. I have some breaking down of the skin in my armpit of all places. I have laughed because I didn’t wear a bra in the 60’s (too young) and now, in my 60’s I can’t due to the underarm discomfort…LOL 

I know, TMI but hoping you can see the irony and laugh with me on this one!!!!!

The side effects can last from 4-6 weeks after the treatments as the radiation continues to work even when the appointments end.  

I have been continuing to go in for infusions every 3 weeks. These infusions are HER2 blockers and are called Targeted Therapy. I will continue to receive these through October 2021. I do not have any notable side effects from this and I am SOOOO THANKFUL!!!!!! Just prior to starting radiation, my energy level was so much better. I am really excited to be back to that level soon. 

A few things I have noticed that may or may not return to “normal” include my handwriting. I have never had fabulous handwriting yet now it seems like I have no control over the small motor skill when I try to write. It is kind of like Tourette’s of the hand. I notice it most when I am really concentrating and writing something that feels really important to me…..of course, right??? It is like the pen just JUMPS up or to the side…….CrAzY!  I have some neuropathy in my fingers and toes. Not knife stabbing, mostly just a numbing. The Dr’s say it will hopefully improve over some time….we will see. This is not horrid and I am so fortunate and thankful. One other first world problem- my computer does not recognize my fingerprint yet. The tips of my fingers became very dry through this whole process and it has distorted my fingerprint to the point of keeping my locked out for now. Fortunately I know my password so I am getting lots of practice until my fingertip decides to cooperate with my computer!

And, finally…..My fingernails and hair are growing- YAY!!!!!!

My fingernails showed visual horizontal ridges from each chemo treatment. They were strong and growing well until those ridges reached the top of the nail. Almost overnight I looked like a habitual nail biter. I can see the last ridges finally reaching the end of the nail so I am thinking by August my nails will be returning to pre-chemo condition :-)

As for the hair issue, yes, hair is growing and I have now shaved my legs and my lip….hahahaha (again, probably TMI). For me it has been fascinating and I really appreciated not having to worry about shaving my legs or styling my hair. I am also happy to once again have eyebrows and eyelashes. So many things I have learned to appreciate through the journey.

I will add I have gained such a huge added appreciation for my rockstar husband, Fred. He has stepped up to the plate like a Super Hero!! Fred has worked around the clock to maintain things around here. He has run our business including the responsibilities I used to carry. We are both looking forward to me continuing to heal and gradually step back in to some of my roles in the business. I can’t imagine going through cancer with anyone else!

Thank you to all of you who have sent cards, meals, gifts, jokes & GIFs, encouraging and but-kicking texts and showing up to walk with me. I love each and every one of you and need you to know how you have all played a role in my recovery! 

THANK YOU!!!

With Love,

Maggie