I apologize for not getting to this sooner.  I had all the best intentions but I wanted to get a picture of me in the new shirt Brianne got me.  It says "I'm a survivor, what's your superpower?" with a pink ribbon.  It makes me happy.  However, I haven't gotten the picture yet so it will have to come later.  I'm waiting for a good hair day! :p   It has taken me a while to claim "survivor".  It seemed like tempting fate to claim it too soon.  However, I'm ready.  Even if that stupid disease tries to come back I will be ready to kick it's rear again.  I am not as afraid as I was.  I don't necessarily think every ache or pain or bump is suspicious.  I absolutely still overthink things....but I always have done that. Some things I haven't been able to change yet!

So - that being said here is a recap.  
Last year - December 17.  I had the breast reduction where they found the cancer.  No one told me they had done a biopsy so when I went back to the office on December 21 I had a nasty surprise when the doctor let me know I had cancer.
This year - December 17 I had my regular 3 month check up with my oncologist.  They check the tumor markers in my blood every 3 months as a way to make sure my cancer has not returned.  The tumor markers have went down so things are looking good!  Then on December 21 I went for my plastic surgery follow up.  They said I seem to be healing well and everything is looking good there too!  See what I mean - what a difference a year makes!!!!!!!

So from here on out I will just go every 3 months to get cancer markers checked, every 6 months to get a bone strengthening infusion that not only strengthens the bones but also decreases the chances of cancer recurrence in the bones.  My plastic surgeon asked me if I wanted to consider fat grafting (they take fat out of one area of my body and then put it in my breasts to smooth out lumps and bumps from the implants) and I may.  (If anyone has experienced this let me know if it is worth it.  It involves needles and I am not a fan of needles.)  And speaking of needles, I am ready for tattoos!  For those of you who are wondering what I am talking about....I am getting ready to get nipple tattoos.  A year ago I didn't realize that they take that part during a mastectomy. Yep.  It's like a clearance sale....everything goes!  After I make a decision about the fat grafting I will be ready to get tatted up!  

So from this point on it will be smooth sailing I think.  A few minor cosmetic procedures, an IV infusion twice a year and blood draws.  Nothing compared to the craziness of the past year!

Thank you so much to those of you who have been there for us this past year.  Thank you for the kind words and prayers, for the meals, for the hugs (and punches in the arm when a hug would make me cry) and just for being there to listen and keep me moving forward. Thank you all.  There are truly not enough words to express how thankful I am to have a loving family and loving friends.  I would hug you all if I could!