Sarah’s Breast Cancer Journey

It’s been a year and I’m back in this chair. This time for a medicine to help with bone strength due to the medications I’m taking to reduce a reoccurrence. Cancer SUCKS!!!

By no means do I enjoy cleaning but I’m so thankful I have the energy to clean my house today. This past year there were time when a task like washing the counter off was physically so exhausting I couldn’t do it. These days the smallest things remind me how lucky I am to have my health!

Today is my last day of radiation!!! The radiation techs have been asking me if I want to ring the bell. Honestly, no! I just want to walk out of the Cancer Center and not have to go back. If only that were the case but at least I don’t have to go daily anymore. I’m looking forward to checking this one off my list of goals I set when diagnosed. It’s been an intense year but with the help and support of Ryan Locy as well as all our family and friends we’ve tackled some pretty amazing accomplishments.

1 year
1. Cancer Free
⁃ Chemo ✔️
⁃ Bilateral Mastectomy ✔️
⁃ Expanders ✔️
⁃ Reconstruction ✔️
⁃ Radiation
2. High Yield Savings Account ✔️
3. Budget ✔️
4. Payoff Student Loans ✔️
5. 3 Month Emergency Fund ✔️
6. College Fund ✔️

It’s been awhile since I’ve posted an update. I’ve really not posted much because I was just living life and treatment has been going smoothly. I’ve completed 9 rounds of radiation and have 11 to go.

Headed to Thedacare Regional Cancer Center this morning for a CT scan in preparation for Radiation. Not looking forward to another treatment and the potential side effects. Ready for this to all be behind me! I’m back to work and feeling more like myself so hoping radiation doesn’t slow me down again.

100%

I saw Plastics this morning and was told my incisions are healing well. Tomorrow I meet with Radiology to learn what the plan is. Thursday I follow up with Oncology to discuss treatment after radiation. My hair is growing back and chemo brain is easing up. I finally feel alittle more like myself!

Home and resting!

Ready for phase two.

I made it through surgery! The lymph node that was previously positive came back negative during the initial pathology report. Dr. Bermas still felt it was best to do a full Axillary Dissection. She also suggested admitting me for the night. I’m doing very well. They are just being cautious as my heart rate was elevated in recovery. I FaceTimed my babies, my amazing momma and sisters. Ryan went home to tuck the girls in and grab some snacks as the hospital kitchen is closed. Perk of being two blocks from the hospital. I‘ll update when I get home. For now I’m going to try to get some sleep. Love you all and so thankful for your support!!!

Thank you to everyone that has sent their love and support. I really appreciate all the thoughts and prayers. It is going to be a long day but I am feeling ready. I’ll update when I can.

I was almost two weeks out after finishing chemo and was starting to feel pretty good. My spirits were high. Physically, I was less weak. I had more energy and was building up my stamina again. Wednesday I woke up feeling tired but figured it was just a cold. The kids were off to school and I went into work. Two hours in I just couldn’t keep going. I went home and basically slept for 24 hrs. Thursday, I started having muscle aches and after talking with my sister decided to test myself for Covid. Sure enough, I was positive.

This is my third time having Covid. Normally, I would just quarantine and let it run its course. With surgery scheduled for 9/25 I wanted to make sure I informed my doctors and did what they thought was best. I feared having to postpone surgery. I started by calling my Oncologist. They suggested talked to the Surgeon. I called the Surgeon’s office. They told me to call my Primary. Meanwhile, all three departments don’t know the protocols these days for Covid as they haven’t had to deal with it in awhile. Ugh!

Finally, I get a nurse that does a screener and decides it’s probably best to have me start Paxlovid. She informs me they won’t just prescribe it over the phone. Okay, annoying but okay. I go ahead and schedule an appointment with the next available doctor. I’m very thankful for telehealth appointments. This is the point that I’m starting to just feel fed up.

I am over all of this! I’m mad, sad, scared, so many other feelings I can’t even begin to describe at the moment. I don’t want to be sick anymore! I wish I could be done taking all these medications. I don’t want to hurt anymore! I’m anxious for surgery! I really don’t want to postpone it though. At the same time, this has made me really think about how I feel about surgery. The fact that I went into atrial fibrillation during my port placement scares me. The fact that this is a big surgery scares me. Now I have Covid on top of this. I’ve had thoughts I never thought I’d have. I know it could go smoothly. It could also not! I don’t feel ready yet I can’t wait to be on the other side of surgery. I am dreading the first week of recovery. I’m terrified I won’t be emotionally strong enough to handle seeing the physical changes. I want cancer out of my body! I want to know just how far it’s spread. I want to start recovery so I can be one step closer to getting back to normal. My normal might never be what it used to be.

I usually get embarrassed with this kind of stuff and opt out but I’m really glad I didn’t this time. It was special to be able to do this with my girls and Ryan Locy. My sisters who really showed up for me and my family throughout my treatment were also with us via FaceTime. 15 round of chemo completed! Next up, surgery.

Last week my Oncologist thought it would be best to skip treatment due to neuropathy. I am thankful she encouraged me to do this and we took preventative measures to avoid permanent damage. This week they are modifying the dose and only giving me 80% of the initial dose. Today is also my last day of chemotherapy! It doesn’t feel real thay today is here. It felt like it was never going to arrive. I’m very excited and anxious.

Round 10. Getting closer to the finish line!

I was in a mood this morning. I was feeling over going to the clinic every week and sitting there for 3+ hrs. I still showed up and I am glad I did. I was in a much better mood after chemo and a nap. The end of this phase is in sight. 9 out of 12 taxol infusions complete! Only 3 left.

8th round of Taxol down! I didn’t take a photo yesterday because I was basically asleep the entire time I received treatment. I’ve been very tired this week. I am starting to have some neuropathy in addition to the joint pain and achy muscles. Only 4 more rounds to go!

Starting to feel more hip and leg pain after each dose of Taxol. It seems to hit the day after treatment and continue through day 3-4. My nails are also extremely tender. They have been the entire time I’ve been on the Taxol regime but now they are starting to get brittle and look awful! Only five more rounds! Looked at myself this morning while FaceTiming family and decided I’d pull off a good Uncle fester for Halloween this year, lol! Just need to smudge some eyeliner around my eyes.

#7 ✔️ (7/12) I have a few eyebrows and eyelashes hanging on, lol. My energy level has increased. I am able to do some of the daily tasks that were challenging before. I’m definitely not as strong as I used to be but I’ll get there. I need to get back on track with eating well. It’s easy to slip but it’s amazing the difference I feel when I make good food choices. I’ve been making plans with friends and scheduling play dates with the kiddos friends. My focus is being intentional especially with what remains of summer. Thank you all for the love and support!

Yesterday I completed my 6th round of Taxol. 6 more to go. I’m feeling much better on Taxol but still have some discomfort at times, mostly body aches and hot flashes. Fatigue is still an ongoing battle. I’m working on getting back into a daily routine and hoping to incorporate more movement and exercise to combat this. I am staying positive overall but at times I just feel physically, mentally, and emotionally drained. On a positive note my hair is growing back! It’s hard to see because it’s light but it’s there. 😀

Round 5/12 ✔️ I slept through my entire treatment and went home to sleep from 5 more hours!

To be fair, I helped out on a job yesterday and I’m sure it added to my tiredness. It was a good tired though. I loved getting back out there and doing what I am passionate about with my amazing team!

The mask is is because I’m still fighting off a chest cold and didn’t want to spread germs to other patients or staff in the clinic. Nothing major just lingering as colds do.

1/3 of phase 2 (Taxol) down! I am still learning my limits. I have more energy than I did on phase 1 (AC) but I do not have the stamina I previously did before treatment. On top of that I have a sinus infection so feeling extra run down. Overall though I’m grateful my symptoms aren’t terrible. Thanks for all your support!

The nurses give you a bright lime green sticker after they insert the needle into your port. My organizer heart loves a good color coded visual! Anyway, the nurses make what isn’t always a fun activity alittle less daunting by dressing up the stickers. Today I received one with a hot air balloon. It made me smile! I have always loved hot air balloons. Maybe someday I’ll actually get up in one. Here’s to round 3 of Taxol.

Yesterday was round 2 of Taxol. I’m not sure the steroid wore off yet because I am a bit scatter brained and trying to tackle all the things, lol. I’m enjoying feeling less icky and finally being able to drink coffee!

Round 1 of Taxol! The Benadryl is making me sleepy!

Last round of AC ✔️Feels good to have completed phase 1!

Round three of AC was rough! I was sick for what felt like forever. There were a few days I couldn’t eat, I barely drank and I couldn’t keep my eyes open. My sweet Maddy asked Ryan if I was dying. I would be lying if I didn’t say my mental state was impacted. I got down. I asked the why me and what did I do questions. I wasn’t sure I wanted to keep pushing through treatment but after some relief I decided to fight even harder! I‘m getting fluids today to try and be proactive. Tomorrow I have my fourth and final round of AC and it’s not going to stop me. I have a beautiful life full of amazing people and you’re all my why! Thank you for the support each and everyone of you has provided me and my family. It truly keeps us going.

Round 3 of AC today.