One year anniversary of breast cancer diagnosis

Dear all,



Time flies when you are having fun! It's amazing to believe that a year ago today my entire world was turned upside down when I received the diagnosis of breast cancer. What began as a regular mammogram (on 2/6/09) followed by a self-breast exam (on 2/8/09) revealed itself as cancer on 2/20/09. Needless to say, a lot has happened in a year!

Our son is now 4 months old and I have already had 8 treatments of radiation. Four more weeks of daily radiation - Monday - Friday - are left and then I will be done with all my treatments!!! I can't wait! Right now, I take Patrick with me to radiation at the hospital and he waits for me with the receptionist/scheduler "Grandma Jean" until I'm finished. Everyone fawns over him and he loves the attention.

Patrick and I try to go to the Lake Forest Health and Fitness after radiation. It is conveniently located in the same complex as the hospital. Patrick goes to the childcare center while I attempt to train for the Avon Walk. Today Patrick and I participated in a Pre/Post Natal Yoga class where we were the only ones in attendance. I was happy to learn ways I can exericise while spending time with Patrick. What a treat to have a private class!

This week I received the results from my BRACAnalysis. I am overjoyed that showed that I do not have the genetic markers indicating that my cancer is hereditary. This means that it must have been caused by environmental factors. And that my sister and my children do not have an increased chance of getting breast cancer. I also am not at a higher risk for ovarian cancer. This good news is a HUGE relief! Woo-hoo!

Thanks for all your continued support!

Love,
Jana

I have tattoos!

Now that I've got your attention - it's true ... I just received my first tattoos! I never imagined I would get a tattoo, not to mention three. They are really small spots or "markers" to be used by the technician to line up the machine for radiation. At the radialogist yesterday, I was given a CT scan and a mold was created to hold my head and shoulders in place while I receive radiation. I will begin radiation on tomorrow and go daily (Monday - Friday) until March 19.

Since I last wrote, I have completed my 12 rounds of chemo (since Patrick has been born). The last day was January 25. It felt so good to be done!

Yesterday was the one year anniversary of me finding the lump in my breast. Hard to believe it's been a year since all this started. To say that a lot has happened is an understatement. I've have a double mastectomy, finished remodeling our house, turned 40, undergone 18 rounds of chemo, countless blood tests, had a baby, had breast reconstruction, begun training for the 39.3 mile Avon Walk and am preparing to begin radiation. What a year!

Got to run. Baby Patrick is crying!

All my love,
Jana