Hi everyone! Happy New Year!! 
So...the quick update is that my test results came back (OncotypeDX) and it shows that chemo therapy is NOT thought to be beneficial for my type of tumor. Hurray! This means my next step will be radiation therapy, just like last time. Luckily, Kaiser contracts with North Bay Medical in Vacaville so it only takes about 10 minutes to get there each day :) 

I also started taking a new medication called Arimidex, which is an aromatase inhibitor. Even now without my ovaries, the body still has a way to make more estrogen. This medication stops the production of estrogen to try to prevent future estrogen sensitive tumors from growing. I have been adjusting pretty well to this new medication. Most of the big night sweats are gone but fatigue comes and goes. Also, a couple of days ago, a new side effect started (I think it's from the med)...joint pain! Ugh...I asked my doctor what type of pain I should be looking out for if I were to have this side effect. She said that some of her patients describe it as "feeling like they are 80 years old". WHAT?! I don't quite feel 80 but I am definitely feeling the pain in my knees and ankles during my walks. This type of pain from the medication is not thought to "just go away" on its own, but I am still hopeful and will keep walking to build up good muscle and endurance. It can't hurt, right??

Also, yesterday was my one month anniversary of eating plant-based foods! I am learning a lot and still figuring out things like "hmmm...what do I do when I visit my in-laws and there is so much yummy Filipino foods?" type of things. LOL It's been fun learning but the thing I miss the most is CHEESE!! I LOVE CHEESE!! 

As always, thank you for your kind words and support!!!!

I hope you are all happy and healthy. 

NORIKO :)