Sunday, April 29, 2012

One Year Ago

On April 29, 2011, I found a lump in my right breast.  Our lives have been changed since that day.

I went that day, Friday, to see my doctor.  I was scheduled for a mammogram the following week.  We seemed to be on a roller coaster we couldn't get to stop.  Less than a week later, the following Thursday, I had my official breast cancer diagnosis.

Today it's been almost six months since my last chemotherapy treatment.  I still get Herceptin by IV every three weeks and will through August.  I'll be on Tamoxifen for a few years and then they'll switch me over to another drug.  I've been thrown into permanent menopause, and I mean thrown.  I have rather violent hot flashes!  But I'm alive, and we praise God for that.

Girls, don't minimize the importance of breast self-exams.  Early detection can make a difference.

13 comments:

Mari said...

What a year you've had! I'm so happy that part is behind you and as you said - you're alive! You're a good reminder to do those self exams.
PS - you look so cute!

onlymehere said...

I'm so happy you're posting again and even more happy that you've finished chemo and seem to be doing well. Keep smiling!

Linda said...

What a year! But I must say...Bravo! I am glad you are doing good now, and that you have a good attitude about everything. You look great. Keep on fighting it girl!

Hang on to the Lord...He loves you!

Linda @ Truthful Tidbits

Rochelle said...

Wow, sooooo thankful you found it early and that you are doing so well now! Thanks for the important reminder. So blessed to know you & I'm so thankful God isn't finished with you yet!!!! Loves.

It's me said...

You look great !!!...like a sun shine....i hope the next year will be much better than the last....glad to see your post again.....i was worried about you.....love from me Ria...xxx...

Bobbi said...

As we can see, you have not been robbed of your JOY! It's nice to see your smiling face. I miss hearing from you as often as I once did...but I understand.

I found something in a self exam and had to go for the whole kit and kaboodle. I was scared of the unknown but it wasn't that bad...and ended up being nothing big...PTL. Thankfully, I could then encourage my Mom to go...and she wondered why she'd waiting. Phew!

JMS said...

No way! I can't believe a year has passed! As previous comments have said - you are alive and yes, your joy is also evident! I have regularly checked for your posts and hoped and prayed that your health was improving. So glad to see today's update and of course the photos of the Senior girls.

Julie in Australia

Betsy Brock said...

You look SO good! And I bet the hair feels so wonderful, too!

Shana said...

Kayren, I have been checking your blog to see how you were and have been praying for you often, realizing something was going on in your life. You will continue to be in my prayers and I am thankful that the Lord has gotten you through this past year. Enjoy your beautiful family and congrat to the girls!

Controlling My Chaos said...

Oh my goodness. What a roller coaster. I hope everything is going well and continues to do so.

Alum Groups of Delta Delta Delta said...

What happy young ladies with smiles
and a mischievious twinkle in their
eyes, Joy at graduating and helping
a Mom who is also celebrating the end of a long year and came out in
a very healthy way....Many prayers
have been answered.

Nancy said...

Kayren, I'm so sorry I missed this part of your life. I don't know if you remember me or not. I used to blog at Chocolate Ink. I found you again through Lora Farrell's blog. I also had an encounter with cancer (sarcoma, not breast) and recently had a second scare. I started blogging about it at http://www.thereisgrace.com.

I pray you are doing well. Stop over and see me sometime and let me know how you are!

Love & Prayers, Nancy

It's me said...

Hello Karen...how are you ????...love from me Ria...x !

 
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