September 28, 2014

 

Hello everyone and thank you for coming back every week.

 

This week begins another October, which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. There will be lots of pink everywhere, on products sold in stores, and on pink ribbons worn by millions. Professional athletes will wear items with pink as another way to advocate for awareness.

 

Over the past years, October has always been special to those, including myself, who are close to those who have battled breast cancer.  I remember a time when two friends were bonded because their mothers were diagnosed and treated the same year. When I was diagnosed, I took a look around and found all the small pink items I had collected over the years. 

 

October will be a little different this year.  That inundation of pink that always comes around in the fall means a bit more.  While some argue how much money is actually contributed, the truth is each purchase contributes something towards breast cancer awareness and research. In fact, I feel the medicine I was fortunate to receive, and continue to receive is a result of development funded by dedicated efforts to fundraise and bring the reality of breast cancer to those who may not otherwise understand. 

 

Awareness is about education.  Paying attention to family history and a variety of risk factors will provide information to those who may never considered themselves a candidate for this disease. Opening up a dialogue with friends, family, and medical professionals will bring awareness about cancer.

 

One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer.  One in eight.  Look around you today. Do the math.

 

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Yesterday, I was lucky to spend time with coworkers and catch up with some who I have not seen in awhile. It is great to hear from those who read the blog and are not afraid to ask questions or share stories. It makes me happy to know I am part of your Monday morning routine.  Reading the blog may be the only way some know how to check in with me, and that is a big reason why I write to you every week. 

 

 

 

Love, Sosa

 

 

September 21, 2014

Thank you again for returning to the blog and checking in with me during the week.  I appreciate all of the love and support every day.

Living close to work means I often run into coworkers and friends in the area.  Its always fun to catch up with people, even if only briefly.  Its hard to believe I have not seen some of my coworkers or friends since I gave them the news in March. While I may not have seen some people in person, I am fortunate that social media and technology allows us to communicate and keep updated.

This week, I started another infusion drug, which along with supplements, will help strengthen my body against cancer.  Most women need extra vitamins as we get older, and I get some help, because of the way cancer has weakened my body.  The side effects are rough for a couple days, which is to be expected.  It could also be considered another weapon in my battle.

I am glad to be strong enough to contribute to the planning of my job's upcoming picnic, which will be another opportunity to spend time with friends from work.  I am also thankful to be able to drive to the city to see my parents and friends, and watch football there.  Its always fun to cheer with the crazies and root for the kids.

While it isn't always easy, I keep trying to build strength and adjusting to the new normal.  I can only hope that my story can help those who are also adjusting to cancer.  I am grateful to those in my support groups and the contacts I have made, all who have shared their stories with me.  My journey is difficult, but nothing compared to the struggles of children, or the challenges adults face.  These friends of mine keep me in perspective, because my road could be much harder to travel one day.

Love, Sosa

 

September 14, 2014

Hello everyone and thank you for coming back...

Thank you to everyone who takes some time Sunday night or Monday morning, every week, to check in and read what I have to say about this experience.  Thank you to those who share this blog with others, or share on Facebook, because you think it can help someone you love.  Sometimes, it helps those who have breast cancer, but this blog is also meant to help those who love the women who have breast cancer. 

Thank you to those who take the time to talk to their family members and open a discussion on how breast cancer may affect the family in the future.  Thank you to the women who have decided to pursue early detection, such as mammograms or genetic testing.  Thank you to everyone who took the time to look at websites with information on breast cancer and breast cancer treatment.  It means so much that you did research or just asked me questions.  Some people never know enough until it is too late, so those efforts may actually save someone's life.

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I am always fortunate to hear from everyone who checks in to see how things are going.  I often communicate or meet with friends, because its important for me to get out, and for people to see how I am doing.  Cancer has not restricted me from going to movies or attending football games.  Its important to continue to enjoy everything that I always have. 

Having breast cancer is a part of my life, but is not my whole life.  However, I felt like it was, as I accepted the new reality that started in February of this year.  I am still reminded hourly that something "life changing" has happened.  I am reminded every time I look in the mirror, or open the medicine cabinet.  But "life changing" does not mean "life ending."  I will continue some form of treatment throughout my life, such as a daily pill or monthly infusion.  The medicine has improved to allow me to function as normally as I ever did, just in a different gear.  Before I return to work full time, I will continue to take the necessary time off to adjust to new medications and build strength. 

Living is possible. Life is what you make of it. 

Love to all,
Sosa

September 7, 2014

 

 

It's actually September.  The year has gone by so fast. Some days have been longer than others, but its all about how you spend your time.

 

I spent this week as usual, attending yoga and support with the Cancer Support Community.  Watching baseball and waiting on football to start has helped the past few months go by.  Good TV and bad TV always helps, as we all wait for the Fall shows, and the final season of SOA.  It always helps to hear from friends with the phone calls and texts. 

 

I am getting more energy to get more done on my to-do list, which was not easy during chemotherapy.  I am walking more often, and finding it is less difficult each time.  Unfortunately, what will continue to happen for a few months is the muscle stiffness as my body adjusts after chemo.  I told my friends, I will get there, just a little slower...

 

My friends were nice enough this week to include me for some doggie quality time, which is wholly therapeutic.  If my apartment was bigger, I would have a dog or two or three. But I must settle for visits and pictures and Facebook posts.

 

Football has also started, so its time to root for the Dogs, the Rams, and #81.

 

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As I have said before, this diagnosis, this journey, has connected me with so many.  Friends have shown unbelievable support.  Past friends have reconnected, and shared prayers and hope.  I have learned how breast cancer has affected many of the women in my life, and the lives of friends and families.  I am fortunate to hear the stories of survival and tributes to those lost.  Answering questions for some, but just being able to listen to others, has given me the opportunity to find perspective on how to continue to fight.

 

I was reminded by my cousin about my aunt and godmother, who was diagnosed with breast cancer, and lived for many years after surgery and treatment.  We were both too young to remember her being sick, but even if she was, I don't think she would have shown it.  My cousin reminded me that she was up and moving within a year, and was never one to cause worry for her loved ones.  He said I am like her in that way.

 

I spoke with another survivor who reminded me of "moving forward," despite cancer, as it continues to be a part of my life, for the rest of my life. As my treatment continues, I will carry my cancer with me in a fancy purse, because I only have fancy purses.... Anyone can choose to let cancer or any disease, or any struggle, defeat you.  It will kill you if you allow it.  Living with breast cancer, living with difficult treatment, and accepting its reality, is the path I am on.  There is no reason I cannot work, or travel, or enjoy life, as I did before.  Just make adjustments, cause we got stuff to do.

 

Love, Sosa