Treatments all finished – I am so happy!

A HEALTHY HEAD OF HAIR!

Only 4 weeks till Christmas! I had meant to be diligent with my Blog but time has flown by.

It was with huge relief that I finished Radiation on the 6th September. My breast was burnt and very sore. The final week of the ‘boost’ radiation targeted directly around the scar area created some swelling and was quite painful and burning. It took about 3 – 4 weeks to settle down, but I did not blister as many people do. At this stage 2 months later my left breast still has a bit of a tingle and a nice tanned look and my right breast is a nice doughy white!

The lumpectomy scar is barely discernible and I thank my lovely Surgeon David Read for doing such a wonderful job.

I was to have a consultation with the Surgeon last week but he had to go to the Philippines Typhoon Disaster with the medical task force from the NT as he is the Director of the Darwin Trauma Unit.

I have decided through this year that I would go for a change of career to take me into my old age. During October I spent 3 weeks in Darwin undertaking a Certificate 1V in Real Estate. Absolutely loved it. Learnt so much and cant wait to start selling real estate around town. Not so interested in property management, worrying about, landlords, tenants, rent, house damage etc etc seems to be too stressful. I have had an approach of interest from one of the real estate Companies so am really excited.

During this time I also participated in the Cancer Council Relay for Life that raised over $20,000 on the night and was a guest speaker at a Melbourne Cup Luncheon that raised over $7,000 in ticket sales and an auction.
I also was a guest speaker at the Women of the World (WOW) Conference held in Katherine where I prepared a Powerpoint presentation with photos of my journey, burnt breast and all. So many people came up to me afterwards and said they had no idea what breast cancer entailed or what it really meant and that my honest portrayal of the journey gave them a better understanding and awareness.
I hope to work out how to attach it to this Blog.

SO, at last the worst part of this is over. Last week I did the 600km trip again for a final appointment with the Radiologist to check the condition of my breast which was all fine.

Also had and appointment with the Oncologist Dr Karanth here in Katherine. The Hormone Therapy Drug FEMARA has been driving me crazy. Tidal wave HOT FLUSHES, aching joints, sore back, and gaining weight. Karanth said for me to stop taking the drug for 4 weeks and he will change the regime to 3 years of Tomoxafin followed by 2 years of Letrozole/Femara. Hopefully in three years time they will have more refined drugs with less side affects. My Vitmain D level is a bit low and liver activity still up. Another appointment on the 23rd December.

Other than those small complaints I am on top of the world. Have walked up and down thousands of stairs helping my friend move from one, two story house, to another. Back to aqua aerobics and have designed the cover and self published the anthology by our local writing group, KROW (Katherine Region of Writers) which has arrived and we will launch on the 6th of December.

I have also indulged in some Xmas cooking of chocolate fudge, coconut ice and mango chutney for gifts. Really enjoying the freedom to do things that I enjoy!

I have been thinking of maybe turning this blog into a little book with photos as a support for other breast cancer sufferers.