Christine's Personal Journey with Breast Cancer

I have been diagnosed with Stage II Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (Breast Cancer). My survivorship began on July 18, 2005. The tumor was 1.7cm, ER/PR+, HER2-NEU+. Cancer was present in 3 of 17 lymph nodes. Treatment consists of the following: Lumpectomies, Chemo (AC/T), Herceptin, Radiation & Hormone Therapy (Tamoxifen)

Wednesday

Update: June 14, 2006


It’s been almost 2 months after the (big) treatments and all is going very well. My body has almost completely recovered. My weight is back up to where it was last summer, but I’m starting to slowly work on it.

I’ve heard/read there are several factors for weight gain during this time:

- menopause causes metabolism to drop;
- for unknown reasons, most patients gain weight while taking Tamoxifen;
- and most importantly it’s my lack of exercise!

I guess I’m lucky that I haven’t gained a tremendous amount, but it is still is a bummer after seeing my weight drop duing chemo, then have it all return.

I really appreciate all the recent celebrations, especially my special trip to Georgia. I’ve posted some pictures below. My next milestone will be this fall when I complete my last Herceptin treatment.

Here are some more celebration pics (and you can see I have a LITTLE more hair!) :)



Florence, Matthew, Winnie & Me on May 23, 2006


Chenoa, Me & Lia on May 29, 2006

~Christine