Susan ♦ August 20, 2011 ♦ 2 Comments
I was having so much fun during my Bosom Buddies Walk back in June that I forgot to take any photos. Fortunately, Anna saved the day once again when she brought her SLR along and captured some of us on our way up and back down the hill. Thanks, Anna! BTW, I’m easy to spot … just look for the woman in black pants and sneakers.
If you are just joining me, you'll probably want to click way back to May 2011 (http://susan.chaosweb.net/2011/05/) when I first started this blog after being diagnosed with very early stage breast cancer at the age of 43. I've written through the entire experience so far, from mammogram to biopsy, diagnosis to mastectomy, recovery to reconstruction, and recovery (again!) to chemotherapy.
Despite the aggressive nature of ER-/PR- Her2+ invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC), my prognosis is actually very good. And although regular screening was certainly key in the early stage diagnosis, I've learned that mammograms are not infallible. (Nevertheless, Ladies, get those mammograms done!) I have also found that oncology is not always clear cut and sometimes you have to fight for what you think will serve you best.
The past several months have undoubtedly been a learning experience and I have attempted to chronicle every notable event and emotion, not only for my own benefit and to keep my loved ones in the loop, but also in the hope I might help someone else out there who has just received that life-changing call.
Best wishes for good health,
Susan
For me, one crucial part of moving past cancer is staying active, to not only lower the risk for recurrence but also to promote heart health while I'm taking the cancer fighting/heart compromising drug Herceptin. Over the years I've found that it's easier to stay active if I have specific training goals, i.e. races, in mind. Here is a running total of events I have in line thus far for 2012.
2/26. Preseason Burn Series #2 Triathlon -- 400 Yd Swim / 10Km Bike / 1.5 Mile Run
3/11. Race for Japan -- 5 Mile Run
3/25. Preseason Burn Series #3 Triathlon -- 400 Yd Swim / 10Km Bike / 1.5 Mile Run
5/12. Stanford Pow Wow 5K Run
5/12. Swim Art Open Water Clinic
6/3. Reservoir Triathlon -- 1/2 Mile Swim / 15 Mile Bike / 3 Mile Run
7/22. Splash & Dash -- 1 Mile Open Water Swim (skipped due to illness)
8/19. Norcal Open Water Swim -- 1 Mile Open Water Swim
9/23. Half Moon Bay (was 10K run, now changed to) Half Marathon!
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