Happy February!

Just keeping up with everyone that I'm in the last stretch of treatments.

In December I finished 15 radiation treatments and my skin started to burn towards the last few - I have Scottish skin lol. The doctor didn't waist any time giving me a prescription that cleared it up right away - just in time for Christmas. 

I've been able to go back to physical therapy and I have really been healing well inside and out. 

So now I'll be on a hormone blocker, Tamoxifen,  because the type of cancer I had "fed" off of estrogen. I'm also continuing with infusions of Herceptin and Perjeta every three weeks until the middle of April.  As I understand those are targeted immunotherapy drugs that specifically work on the other aspects of the type of cancer it is (Triple positive). I have a few side-effects from the drugs but they're fairly manageable. There is a movie called Living Proof that stars Harry Connick Jr. that shares the story of the Oncologist who developed and fought to get Herceptin through the studies and approved for this type of breast cancer. I highly recommend it as it is very encouraging.

At this point I'm mostly trying to gain my strength back physically and emotionally.

I've started back to work at both my jobs. First at the YMCA a few hours where I've also started going for working out. And also at Ardmore, a company that manages group homes for developmentally disabled adults.

I'm really grateful for the care I've gotten with the Cleveland Clinic. I have truly only had positive experiences with every doctor and every single nurse and staff member.  

I'm also humbled by the care and patience of my family for me. I've needed help with so many things this year and they've all just stepped up. 

So many family and friends have turned this frustrating year into a year of support and reconnecting. I'm so grateful for all of you! My church family and small group friends at The Chapel have really been busy checking in on me and our family as well.

Love you all,

Mary