Hello friends!!! It’s one year ago today I started chemo for the MBC (metastasized breast cancer). I had no idea on 2/14/2020 what that would mean in my life. I also had no idea that 2020 would be so dramatic for everyone. I lost my hair...again but so thankful it grew back AND wavy again. I started injection chemo that I was on until April. I started 2x daily oral chemo in April.2 weeks on and 1 week off. Scans every 3 months. Last CTscans, end of Dec, showed stable and no new mets. PTL! Brain MRI showed no mets and the one in my right eye is stable and unchanged as of my last appt a couple of weeks ago. Doctors are pleased with the tests. 

It shrank and has been stable the last 3 tests.

Side effects had been minimal and manageable. Neuropathy in hands and feet, peeling on the feet. The last few weeks the chemo has caused major peeling on feet and fingers.Fingers are very sensitive. I did get white cotton gloves and disposable gloves I wear over the white gloves. This allows me to protect my hands when I am out (can’t use hand sanitizer on my hands but can on the disposable gloves) but also to do household tasks that are really difficult without the gloves. Cooking, cleaning, laundry, pretty much everything. I think I have used more lotion in the last 8 months than I have in my entire life! Hempz and O’Keeffes are working the best so far. I have tried several!

I have been in treatment for severe muscle spasms/cramps in my neck, left side. Between my very knowledgeable massage therapists at The Well Spa, my chiropractor, acupuncturist and physical therapy at Cox it does seem to be getting better. No rhyme or reason for the spasms that anyone can put their finger on. Lots of muscle massage (work out-love you Alaina!), muscle stretches from Cox seem to be helping. Mary was great at Cox Therapy at the new Cox Clinic in Nixa.

On March 17, 2020 I started working from home. I am so blessed to have such a great work family. It was an adjustment but so thankful my bosses already had things set up for working from home, digital/online. Being able to still communicate with my colleagues and our clients daily was therapy in itself and continues.

I had COVID in October. Blessed that it was a mild case. I felt like I could get out a bit more after that, still cautious, and actually went to a store for the first time in 8 months. I have also been able to go to the office a few times and it was great to see my work family in person. Will continue to work from home. They hired a super sweet lady to work at CRC at the front desk and take care of the things I can’t since I am not there in person. Jean is a great addition to our team. Love working with her!

I still have Find Joy in the Journey as my daily mantra, finding those splashes of joy each and every day. My life motto for years has been Turn Your Scars in Stars and I continue to be open to those opportunities.

I know I haven’t been very good about keeping my situation updated with all of you but I so appreciate everyone's thoughts and prayers these last 2 years. I am so thankful and blessed for all of you! I will try and do better on this on posts here...