It's been 7 weeks since my ovaries were removed and I have recovered well. At my post surgery visit, I told the doctor that I wasn't having the hot flashes or night sweats yet. She said if it hasn't happened yet - it isn't going to! For once - I'm getting a break!!!
So 2009 marks the end of all my cancer treatments. No drugs, no more surgeries. When I left the Women's Surgical Oncology Clinic after my oopherectomy follow up appointment, I realized I will never have a reason to go there again - hopefully. It was weird to leave. I have been going to that clinic annually for the last
20 years! I found a dimple in one of my breasts when I was 27 years old (a sign of breast cancer) and have had annual mammograms and exams ever since. Because my sister had already had breast cancer, I was considered high risk and monitored closely. Twenty years is a long time. Leaving the clinic felt like such a momentous occasion. I will still have follow up appointments with the medical oncologist (the chemo doc) for a couple more years, but other than that, I am done with treatments.
I AM DONE! Did you get that??
It has been a long 22 months. Two biopses, four surgeries, six rounds of chemo, six nights in the hospital, a positive gene mutation test, and lord knows how many hours sitting in the waiting room. (If there is truly a place called Hell - I'm certain it looks like a UAMS waiting room!)
You try to move on and put it all behind you, but I have to admit it's hard sometimes. I still feel anxious and worried about a recurrence. I'm still adjusting to the permanent changes in my body. I'm still depressed about the state of my hair. I still mourn the loss of my real breasts.
They say your emotional recovery takes as long as your period of treatment. Heavens! I hope it doesn't take that long! Well, no matter how long it takes, at least I know I'm on the road to recovery.
Let the journey begin.
