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



 

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