October 26, 2014

 

 

Hello Everyone and Welcome Back,

The picture above is from the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure at Fresno State, held this past weekend.  A friend from high school joined me in a 5K walk to support breast cancer awareness.  There were hundreds of breast cancer survivors there, and hundreds more supporters.  The mood was about hope for futures after surviving breast cancer, and strength for those who are facing recent diagnosis and ongoing treatment.  Many of the women there have lived for as much as 20-30 years after initial diagnosis and treatment.

I also attended my 20th year high school reunion and saw many smiling faces from the past.  While I was initially hesitant about going, I am glad I went and enjoyed myself.  Having breast cancer threatens my future, which means I think twice about doing things that I may not have the chance to do again. Maybe I will finally get around to piercing my ears...

This Wednesday, I have the opportunity to speak at my school for their Breast Cancer Awareness luncheon. If you are interested in attending, contact me and I will send you the link.

This week ends my time off from work, as I will return to a "new normal" routine.  I spoke with another survivor this weekend who reminded me how important it is to continue to live life, and the medicine is much better than it used to be.  Hearing encouragement, in any form, is primary to survivorship.

The National Cancer Institute states that:
"An individual is considered a cancer survivor from the time of diagnosis, through the balance of his or her life.  Family members, friends, and caregivers are also impacted by the survivorship experience and are therefore included in this definition.

Have a good week,
Sosa

October 19, 2014

Gotta love the pink MLB bats.  I was lucky enough to have members of my work family present me with one with lots of signatures.  Hard to believe that was so many months ago...

The Giants are in the World Series.  Its an emotional moment for sports fans whenever your team makes the Championship, and I am no different.  Baseball has been with me all my life, but watching a lot of games has helped me through the toughest summer of my life. Attending games with friends, or texting while watching games from home, is a common thread that I hope never changes.  It is fitting that the season finishes as I complete my time off and return to a "new normal" lifestyle.

Last Monday, I attended a Breast Cancer Awareness event in Oakland for another friend recently diagnosed.  I was lucky to see friends and watch football, while supporting another beautiful woman who is fighting our common enemy.  We had a great time, and I made some great memories.

Saturday, I attended Many Faces of Breast Cancer in Walnut Creek, sponsored by the Cancer Support Community.  At this event, I heard from medical professionals and a survivor about recent topics in medicine and nutrition.  I learned a little more about my type of cancer and treatments.  Listening to another survivor was also helpful, as it has been each time I hear the stories.

Part of this journey means I have been given the opportunity to share my story with many, including you who read the blog, and people at my support center.  In a few weeks, I have the honor of speaking at my school's breast cancer awareness luncheon.  I will be able to share my story as well as end the month of October with an event advocating for other young women to get checked.

If you would like to attend, contact me and I will send you the link. 

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Finally, this upcoming weekend, I am participating in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure at Fresno State, as well as attending my 20th high school reunion.
And watching baseball, of course.

Love to all,
Sosa

October 12, 2014

Hello Everyone, and Welcome Back,

Its wonderful to be able to say I am getting stronger and adjusting to my "new normal."  That means I adjust to my physical changes and learn how to set new goals, both physically and mentally.  After being off work so long, it is a challenge to think about returning to "normal" life.  I expect to be a little rusty for a few weeks, figuring out how to return to the everyday routine.  I am very fortunate that my coworkers are eager to have me back, and have always been more than considerate since this all began.

Walking and practicing yoga are great for building strength and finding a way to center oneself.  My support community encourages techniques like yoga, acupuncture, meditation and reiki to address anxiety and stress.  Yoga is great for my flexibility and endurance, and practicing methods to concentrate. Walking is physically challenging, because my muscles and bones still ache.  But I am developing muscle and able to walk further than before. As a former athlete, that mentality does not go away.  Accepting the challenges and setting goals to overcome them are a big part of any journey.  In my case, I am pushing through each day with the mindset that I want to live.  Thank you very much to those who want to walk with me, even if they are on a leash.

Lots of challenges have come my way, and having breast cancer is the biggest of all.  Living with it will be a different challenge than being treated with aggressive chemotherapy.  Now, I will take each day as what it is, and appreciate experiences in a different way.  That means acknowledging my own accomplishments, such as walking further, and accepting the changes to my life, including my physical appearance.  It means being more truly grateful for the friends and family in my life, because your support is the biggest weapon I have to fight.

Having cancer also means relationships and attitudes change.  What is great to add is the amount of knowledge I have gained, and been able to share with others over this past few months.  It is great to say that people with questions or concerns have found a way to ask.  With October throwing pink at you every day, it is good to know you are thinking differently about what that pink ribbon means. 

I am thankful every day for the relationships that have developed since this all began.  Its hard to believe this cancer is the reason to rebuild bridges, or change attitudes.  There are some who reach out to me daily, and some who reach out every few months.  Whenever you do, I value the prayers and support. Please do not think you "bother" me.

Enjoy your week,
Sosa

 

October 5, 2014

 

 

Welcome,

 

Its the MLB Postseason....This week, I spent some very long, long days rooting on the A's and Giants.  The Wild Card games began a week of playoff baseball, including many "free" extra innings.  I was not as physically exhausted, as  emotionally exhausted.  But Giants fans are used to it.  Many thanks to all those who joined me in watching games; I appreciate those who understand this "Gamer Babe." Thanks, Mom and Dad.

 

Many of you may have noticed more pink around the stores this week, so thank you for purchasing products that contribute to breast cancer research.  The NFL home teams supported fundraising with pink on uniforms, signage, and ribbons.  Each team had a large group of survivors stand on the field to demonstrate for the cause.  Thanks for the pictures from Levi's Stadium.

 

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It was good this week to feel a little more normal and gain more strength and energy.  During chemotherapy treatment, there was no way I could have walked very far, never mind more than once a week.  It was difficult to enjoy things I usually enjoyed, like spending time with friends, because of my lack of energy and pain level.  I am a little over two months out of chemotherapy, and its great to feel stronger. My pain level is very slowly reducing, and I hope it will be more manageable by the time I return to work.  It was surprising to be able to walk a little faster, but I can only credit my inspirational company. I am adjusting to current cancer medication, aid I can only believe it will continue to work so I can live a long life. I agree with those who observe me stronger, and more like myself.  It was a very long summer, but it was not a "brain transplant."  Among many lessons, this journey has made me "better, but not broken."

 

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I just want to acknowledge some fellow survivors who are still fighting the fight with me.  Some are in chemo, and some are receiving radiation.  The side effects are sometimes seemingly unsurmountable, and unable to be ignored.  Its the bruises and scars that are signs of battle and strength. Conquering the emotional fears are courageous uphill battles that may take years to overcome. Rely on your support system, and ask for help. 

 

Breast cancer research has developed medicine so women like me can live longer and survive. I can only hope that research will continue to develop so my friends with leukemia and lymphoma can receive bone marrow transplants in the next few months.  I can only hope that the recently diagnosed can benefit from better medicine and more accurate therapies to sustain good quality of life.  And those with returning cancers are receiving better care since their first time around. 

 

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Have a good week,

Sosa