On August 28, 2017 I had my medi-port installed - and that Thursday I had my first chemo treatment. On August 22, 2018 I'll have the medi-port removed signalling the end of treatment! It's definitely a milestone!
Radiation ended July 25th and, since then, I've been healing. My skin under my arm got really black before it peeled and is now a nice pinkish color. There are still areas that show damage from the radiation, but they're healing and I didn't blister (which is good). Some of the Sharpie marks are still there too but they're fading with every shower. It's great not to have every day appointments any longer - I've been told I'm "transitioning into survivorship" - monthly appointments for a while then 6 months, etc.
So, it's really the end of the beginning!
I'm taking Letrozole to help prevent a recurrence - my cancer is hormone dependent and the letrozole blocks estrogen from attaching to the cells - hence no growth. In addition it can have detrimental effect on bones - causing bone loss. Not good, especially when my bone density test showed osteoporosis - not terribly unusual I suppose given my age (!). So, I'm also now taking Fosomax once a week. Haven't noticed any problems with either medicine except when it rains or storms - then I have terrible bone/joint pain. Luckily it's nothing that Aleve can't handle!
Anyway - I'm glad for the end of the beginning and the the beginning of my new normal - which doesn't look so bad right now!
