Weddings, Graduation, Jamaica and a Mammogram!

Today is December 20, 2022. We are almost to the 1 year mark of this journey. I had my first diagnostic mammogram today since its been 6 months since chemo ended. I was nervous to get this done. After the “squeeze” I had to wait for about 20 minutes while the Dr. read the results. It was a hard 20 minutes but was told that I was “stable” and to get it done again in 6 months. My breast surgeon has already told me I would have an MRI next instead of a mammogram.

I can’t believe its been 3 months since my last post. This fall has been very busy with showers, weddings and the holidays. My best friend’s daughter, Lauren, got married in October and my niece, Taylor, got married in November. I have attached a couple of photos from those weddings. They were so much fun! I was so happy that I was able to attend them and was feeling good enough to dance the whole night!

I have continued to have some side effects. I went back to therapy for the lymphedema in my left arm which got worse after radiation. I was able to see Holly who is the same therapist from before. She was wonderful to work with and really helped me get some more range of motion. Unfortunately, there is no cure so I will have to stretch and do daily exercises for the rest of my life. The neuropathy is almost gone. My legs still hurt if I stand for too long but I am working to get them stronger. My hair is growing in curly so I am keeping it short for now. I get it cut every 3-4 weeks. The curls stick out everywhere while it is short so I don’t know when I will have the patience to grow it out. I still have fatigue. I went to my primary doctor in November and she ran lots of tests on my blood. My body does not seem to be processing B vitamins properly so I started taking additional supplements and will get my blood tested again in 3 months.

Our son, Grayson, graduated from Georgia College on Saturday, December 10, 2022. I am so proud of him! It was not easy but he was able to push through and get his Business Management degree. I have attached a graduation photo as well. The next day my family and I took a trip to Jamaica. This trip was to celebrate Grayson’s graduation, Christmas, and the end of the treatment part of my journey. It was the first time I had traveled since being diagnosed. I had to wear a compression sleeve on the plane for the lymphedema but it was fine. The flight was good and Jamaica was beautiful! We stayed at the Secrets St. James Resort in Montego Bay. The food and drinks were wonderful! We spent most days relaxing on the beach, floating in the crystal blue water and eating! We went for a ride in a glass bottom boat and was able to see the coral reef and some fish. We got massages one day and Grayson and his girlfriend, Brittney snorkeled one morning right off the beach by the resort. Tim and I also renewed our vows on the beach on Thursday evening. We had photographs taken and it was the most beautiful sunset of our trip. The photos look like the back drop is fake. It was a very emotional ceremony but was very special. This year has been tough but made our marriage even stronger. It was the perfect gift to be able to spend time with my family in such a beautiful setting.

Now it is time for Christmas. I am still finishing shopping and getting ready to see our extended family this weekend. I am definitely ready to see this year come to an end. I am a completely different person than I was this time last year. But this year has really shown me who I can depend on in times of need. It has also shown me how strong I am and what I am able to overcome. I am so blessed and thankful for friends and family who have done so much for me. Merry Christmas to everyone!