Today was definitely a milestone day as I have completed my radiation treatments!  Woot Woot!  As I walked in for my final treatment, the tech team all wished me a Happy Graduation Day, and even presented me with a certificate upon my completion!  On the one hand, the certificate really meant that I found a way to fit in 35 sessions into the middle of a school day, but it was so much more than that.  The tech team at the radiation office was nothing short of AMAZING.  Each and every day, I was greeted with smiles (under masks) and welcoming voices.  Each and every day, I was sent forth to continue my day with a wish for a great day or a great weekend.  Those greetings made a mundane task seem a little better and it was bittersweet to know that I won't be seeing them every day.  My radiation oncologist met with me once a week following treatment and told me yesterday that my skin looks fantastic (go figure!) and that he's optimistic about my prognosis because I've been very consistent and my body has responded so well to every challenge it has faced.  I'll see him in about a month as a follow up.  

This is the third major milestone in my journey, but not the last.  The first was completion of chemo, the second was a successful surgery, and now, it's the completion of radiation.  I will continue to receive infusions every 3 weeks through August, but what's currently going into my body is "the good stuff" to build back my system.  I'll get a mammogram in June and see my surgeon for a 6-month follow up in June as well, but I'm optimistic about both of those.  You don't want to get the mammogram too soon after radiation or apparently curse words may come flying out of your mouth due to pain...so my doctors have recommended 2-3 months from now and I'm good with that.  I'll have mammograms every 6 months on my affected side and every year will have a full mammogram with both breasts.  I've never looked forward to them before, but I'm anxious to see something NON EXCITING!

I'm also slated to start Anastrozole, which is a hormone based chemo medication that is used to treat breast cancer.  I would be taking it daily for the next 5 years.  There's a lot of different types of this that are given to breast cancer patients, depending on the specific type, and this one is mine.  For those of you in the know, Tamoxifen is another very common one.  The side effect list is pretty brutal (think about another round of menopause, plus possible osteoporosis, leg cramps, etc...).  I have some major concerns about several of the side effects and my oncologist suggested we meet Friday before my infusion so that we can review the pros and cons of it.  Again, I am so lucky with the doctors I have that respond to my questions and take the time to listen and share their expertise.  

I could NOT have done this journey without all of you.  Your support, prayers, kind words and smiles mean so very much!  I shared my graduation story today with my own family and my extended work family and their responses brought me to tears.  I continue to feel the love from all of you.  Thank you.  ❤️

Photo information is in the captions!  Enjoy!