On 01.02.02, I was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. Too late for surgery, I had chemotherapy, which failed. In May the chemotherapy was changed and I was soon in remission which was celebrated and welcome and lasted nine years - until October 2011. There was progression in 2011 so more treatment was indicated and I am now back in partial remission. But I'm not only a cancer patient - I also enjoy my family, walk my dogs and am learning to draw and paint. Life is good!

Tuesday, October 04, 2011

Life with cancer times two

When I was a little girl I never dreamed I'd be diagnosed with cancer some day.  When I was, in fact, diagnosed with cancer ten years ago I never dreamed I'd be diagnosed with another cancer later on.  I'm still coming to terms with this reality and wandering what it means for my future, my longevity, my quality of life and everything else.

Today was a regular Herceptin day so I was in the chemotherapy suite where I've been hanging out since January 2002.  Some of the staff had heard of my new diagnosis and I told others myself.  There were lots of hugs and well wishes, assurances that this was survivable and specific information about the weeks of recovery.  It was the best place I could have been.

In the meantime, I'm enjoying the slow drippy rain, the fact that Amanda Knox returned to Seattle (I followed her flight on Flight Tracker), curled up with a book and made it through another day.

6 comments:

  1. None of us imagines as a child what our adulthood will be like and have it include cancer. It is one of those things that happens to other people, not us. I'm glad you have a happy place; a place where you get encouragement. You are still in my prayers.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I am praying for you Barbara. Sometimes all we can do is try to make it through another day. Big hugs and many blessings to you.
    Kelly

    ReplyDelete
  3. Oh hon, I'm so sorry you're having to go thru this again... but you know the drill now, and you can beat this one too. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I am so sorry to hear of your news. I found your blog not long ago and your art has given me such joy. As a beginning artist, I look at your work in awe. I am so sorry you are in such sorrow when your art brings such a smile to me. IT is so bittersweet. I am wishing you strength to deal with all this.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Well, dang nabit. What a bummer about the second cancer. May you fend off this second attack as well.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Thank you for your comments. I'm gradually becoming more optimistic but will be glad when this chapter is history. - Barbara

    ReplyDelete

Related Posts with Thumbnails