Thursday, 13 June 2013

How do you measure a year ~ Breast Cancer

It's been a year today since my breast cancer diagnosis.  ... Five Hundred Twenty-Five Thousand Six Hundred Minutes.


Give or take a few.

Do you even celebrate something like that !
Or merely celebrate living through it all and still thriving.

The Invasive Ductal carcinoma /cancer I was diagnosed with (after surgery and pathology results) was ER & P Postive (Oestrogen / Progesterone ) and HER positive (HER2 receptor positive). An aggressive kind in just 20% of women. Stage II because it had spread 3.5 mm into one Sentinel lymph node.

Right here, I would also like to point out I had very few complications. Apart from one overnight hospitalisation, for vomiting/dehydration and fever, my treatment has been relatively straightforward. Some of my friends spent weeks in hospital with 'critically' low white cells, in isolation, away from their kids.

It was none the less horrendous, they mostly leave you to suffer the side effects at home. A crap experience but you do get through it.

Having cancer ; surgery and chemotherapy, it's been a full time job. I didn't have radiation because I choose to have a mastectomy. If not it would have meant leaving home for 6wks or 4-6hrs round-trip each day to the nearest regional hospital with a Linear Accelerator (Radiation machine) ; at the time they only had one machine for all of Central West NSW .

Who's counting ...
  • Double mastectomy
  • Insertion of Port-a-Cath (minor operation)
  • Overnight stay due to dehydration / fever
  • Two breast 'core' biopsies
  • Nuclear medicine scan called Lymphoscintigraphy for Sentinel Node Biospy (injections of blue dye directly into breast to map spread of cancer)
  • 1 Bone scan
  • 1 chest xray
  • 1 chest lump ultrasound.
  • 1 mammogram
  • 1 breast ultrasound
  • one dozen+ dressing changes -including community nurse home visits and  going to local hospital community nurse - because I had my axillary/breast drain for a month)
  • 4 x three weekly AC chemotherapy (July to Sept -2 different chemos - so 8 treatments and extra anti-nausea and steroid meds - 4 to 5 hours)
  • 12 x weekly Taxol Chemo October to Jan (approx -length 3 hours)
  • 11 x 3 weekly Herceptin infusion (average 2 hours)...SIX more to go till October
  • 4 Heart scans (3 x MUGA and Echo) ...#5 MUGA heart scan next week
  • 4 Surgical consultations
  • 10 Oncology consultations
  • Hundreds of anti-nausea meds (I had paid $36.10 a week x 8wks for 2 pills, plus I was chomping down Maxolon by the handful)
  • 20+ blood tests (guessing here - 3 weekly, then weekly for 3 months, now I have them 6wkly, my blood levels are still out of whack).
  • 4 months of daily Tamoxifen tablets ...balance of 5-10 years to go.
  • Hundreds of vitamins swallowed - Calcium, Vit D, Flaxseed, CQ10 and other.
  • Look Good, Feel Better Program
  • Encore After Breast Cancer exercise program 6 of 8 (2hrs per week -2 more weeks to go)
  • 9,000kms+ traveled for surgery x 2 , surgical and oncology appointments and first 3 months of 3 weekly chemo.
  • Lymphodema  Consultation and education.
  • One Naturopathy consultation.
  • (Another knee x-ray, thigh 'neurofibroma' ultrasound, another surgical consult).
  • 2 Hair colours after my hair grew back (a first and second for me)
  • Infinite hours lying awake 'sucking up' my fears and holding back tears.The fear of cancer returning is a constant worry (at times very emotionally exhausting).
  • Immeasurable words of encouragement, support, prayers and friendship. I do not know how I would have done it without my HUSBAND, my family and friends and my interwebz community.
  • Countless reasons to smile, find a silver lining and count my blessings.
  • Hours upon hours walking, even when fatigue and nausea was knocking the stuffing out of me ,(and now with running) because exercise has proven to reduce risk of cancer returning.
  • 14km City to surf, 5km Color run and 4km Mothers day Classic
  • $10,000 + in medical costs, $7k-$8k out of pocket, (not including keeping our Private health Insurance going).
  • Plus PUBLIC Chemotherapy patients in NSW rural and regional areas are still forced to pay* for their chemo and anti nausea medications $500 plus at the moment.
*just saying it is still subsidised on PBS - just not free like it was for my first 3 months chemo in a Sydney Public Hospital.


I don't care that I lost my breasts.Reconstruction is complicated and not on my radar any time soon. It's also very expensive...meh - I have $1000 prostheses and a frilly bra I hardly wear. Running is more fun, with less bounce.

I can't don't work apart from doing bookwork for my husband's business and mothering ...I still had to help cook, clean (maybe less because you don't need high standards living in a converted farm shed), listen to home-reading and empty the laundry basket on occasion. My husband really stepped in to care for us all.

I'm fortunate blogging can be done from the comfort of my pjs and home. Plus it has given my kids a few extras, they would not have had otherwise.

In between there is waiting for Drs, waiting for your turn in the Chemo lounge, and waiting while they access the port-a-cath, take bloods, deliver my bloods to pathology, wait for results , wash their hands, then infuse chemo ; so poisonous they gown, double glove or wear thick purple gloves and mask. Then flush the lines, more hand washing, and then remove the port needle from my chest. Send me on my way...all with a smile.

Still waiting was easy enough to endure with my iPad or a book.

Today, it's reason enough to celebrate I'm here after one year.


Comments (48)

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Yes - you are here and I'm glad. You have been through so much but come out smiling. I hate saying to people "you are an inspiration". It sounds so trite. I think what I want to say is that your determination to live life on your own terms, doing the best under the circumstances, makes me want to be a better person. Love you. xxxx
1 reply · active 629 weeks ago
I celebrate with you beautiful lady.
One year on and the strength you have shown is amazing.
Your posts would have helped many who have been on a similar path....thank you for finding the power within to write your words.
My mum and step mum both had breast cancer and the journey was/ is a frightening one for all who know and love them.
Much love and hugs.xx
1 reply · active 629 weeks ago
Love your face off.

You are amazing. x
1 reply · active 629 weeks ago
There is so much to take in right there. Congrats on your first of no doubt many milestones. You've been an inspiration along this whole journey. Thank you for that.
1 reply · active 629 weeks ago
Woo Hoo!!!! A year. You have done so much more than endure this year.
I think of you often, and your bravery makes me smile.
Trish, you are admired and loved from many a distant place.
Thank you for sharing this absolutely shitful and hideous and amazing time of your life.
Blessings,
K xxx
1 reply · active 629 weeks ago
Thank goodness you are Trish. The world is a brighter place. X
1 reply · active 629 weeks ago
Gosh I never realised how much went on behind the scenes with treatment - thanking you for sharing your story.
And I am so glad you are still here a year on, and will be here for many more years.
You are so brave, and so incredible to change your lifestyle {with walking etc} to assist with keeping the "C" away xxxx
1 reply · active 629 weeks ago
The universe always brings me to your blog right when I need it the most.
Thank you for your honesty in sharing your journey.
You help me not to give up when I'm feeling overwhelmed about things I have no control over. Thank you xxx
1 reply · active 629 weeks ago
Sharyn Williams's avatar

Sharyn Williams · 629 weeks ago

You are an inspiration and absolutely amazing - your strength and courage and attitude puts life into perspective. I wish you health and happiness and i thank you for sharing this with us all. take care xxxx
1 reply · active 629 weeks ago
Congratulations Trish. You've put all my problems into perspective. How strong you are. Best wishes x
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1 reply · active 629 weeks ago
I can't think of a better reason to celebrate than Survival!
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1 reply · active 629 weeks ago
Wow!! You are amazing. I'd say this is hugely worthy of a big celebration. You are inspiring, brave and so much more than a survivor. You ARE a thriver.
Big cheers for getting through this year.
Leanne @ Deep Fried Fruit.
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1 reply · active 629 weeks ago
Robyn@slightlydeep's avatar

Robyn@slightlydeep · 629 weeks ago

The fact that you are still here, writing, is so so great. The awareness you have spread is so important. Congratulations Trish!
1 reply · active 629 weeks ago
I'm so glad you are still here xxxxxxx
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1 reply · active 629 weeks ago
You're awesome. Absolutely bloody awesome.
Your honesty. Your courage. Your humility and your humour.
Thanks a bunch, love chunks.
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1 reply · active 629 weeks ago
Congratulations, Trish! You've done an amazing job and so has your family. I hope the next 12 months is easier on you all and your fears start abating.
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1 reply · active 629 weeks ago
Here's looking forward to a wonderful 12 months ahead! You're such a courageous and inspiring woman. Thank you for sharing your story and raising awareness.
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1 reply · active 629 weeks ago
I can't believe it's been a year, Trish! I remember so clearly when you first announced it and right now I have tears flowing reading your list. You've come so far. So, so far. And truly, your fighting sprit is an inspiration. I can't wait to see you at this year's City2Surf and give you another huge, big bear hug xxx
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1 reply · active 629 weeks ago
Oh my Trish. I can't believe what you have gone through! You are incredible.... x
Oh wow. And oh really??! Oh Trish, such an awful anniversary but one you've chalked up and we are so glad you are HERE! That is a huge lot of stuff that happens once this disagnosis is made isn't it? Of course, the money involved despite health insurance is terrible. Country people def should not be disadvantaged this way! I know you are a lie awake & worry girl but you are also a pick yourself up & get on with it girl! Here's the one year. Glad so glad to be seeing all you are making of your life! Denyse x
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Kirsty@MyHomeTruths's avatar

Kirsty@MyHomeTruths · 629 weeks ago

I'm glad you're still here and thanks for laying bare what it means to receive a breast cancer diagnosis. Your strength and composure and generosity about sharing your experiences are amazing.
My recent post The day I rediscovered my inner zen
Trish, I can't believe what you've been through. I'm not sure what to say except that this post really touched me and I'm wishing you many healthy years to come.
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Praise God for one year, and that even if it was hell, he was there with you every step of the way. You are a huge source of encouragement Trish. Xxxx
1 reply · active 629 weeks ago
What a year. WHAT a year. I am shaking my head. There is a mum at my girl's school who is going through such a similar process, probably about 6 months behind you. Your posts help me understand how she might be feeling and faring, and I really appreciate it. You are so strong Trish. xx
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