November 1, 2015

Hello Everyone and Welcome back.

Did your October included new efforts for breast cancer awareness? Wearing pink is a sign of hope for all those who fight this disease. But it does not stop with wearing pink.  Awareness means opening a dialogue, or gathering knowledge, and sharing with others so information can be shared about what is happening with breast cancer treatment.

This month, I participated in coordinating our annual softball tournament, which included some pretty cool trophies with pink ribbons.  It was a long day, and I was able to share my story to those who saw me there last year, when I had no hair. My friend and I are always excited to plan the event and it was a success.

This month, I sold TEAM SOSA wristbands and tournament towels as fundraisers.  I worked with a committee to coordinate a fundraiser luncheon at my work, which raised money for the Cancer Support Community and the Food Bank.  I attended the Rethink Pink Luncheon at Saint Mary's College, and showed attendees that I am still living with a Stage 4 Diagnosis.

Along with participating in awareness activities, I was very busy working two jobs and playing softball.  I haven't played in a long time, but it has gone very well.  I am grateful for my teammates and the opportunity. My body definitely hurts more than it used to. But I can still hit the ball.

All of these activities are possible because of medicine that allows my body to keep my cancer under control and slow growing. I continue to have infusion, but now every three months instead of monthly.  I take a pill which has been proven to maintain cancer growth.  With the help of my treatment, and my motivation,  I have been back to work for a whole year. 

I have learned more about the investments people made in breast cancer awareness which have resulted in better technology and science.  For example, new machines are developed to identify cancer in women with dense breasts.  There are many advancements in breast conserving surgery, which provides hope to women who are diagnosed early.  The treatments for breast cancer are continuing to develop, even from last year, when I went through treatment.

There is always more to share about breast cancer awareness and treatment, but it is up to those affected to ask the questions and share the stories.  I hope this past year has helped people with concerns to come forward and share with doctors, families, and friends.  I have met many survivors and shared memories of those lost to this disease. 

Support systems are always so important, and I wish I could acknowledge each person who asks how I am doing and if I need anything.  I am very grateful for everyone who I have met on this journey and who are still along for the ride.  I am not always behaving like the same person I was before treatment, and my friends are patient and learning the difference.  I sometimes feel like I am not strong enough, or being too sensitive, or I just don't get it right. Thank you again, every day, for your help and your love.

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I will continue with the monthly blog, and post entries on the first Sunday of the month.  I will try to post photos, but I have a new computer, and that has not been easy to figure out. 

I will place an order for TEAM SOSA shirts in the next week, so please let me know if you are interested. I also have wristbands and tournament towels.
Send me an email here: heysosateamsosa@gmail.com