I came, I walked, it's finally over

I want to thank all of the people who supported me both financially and emotionally has I prepared for the 3Day. It was an amazing experience!

I sadly didn't get to complete all 60 miles. I walked 20 miles the first day and was ready for day 2, but my hips and feet didn't cooperate. I had huge blisters on the soles of my feet which I could've pushed through, but my hips had other plans. I knew they may be a problem as I had some pain while training. On day 2 I walked (read: hobbled) 6 more miles before my 3Day was over. I had to take the bus back to camp and after much consideration and many tears decided it was in my best interest not to walk on day 3. The important job was done before I ever took my first step--fundraising. The money you donated will go to help find better treatments and hopefully a cure for this horrible disease. I'm so thankful for those that gave long before I was ever diagnosed. Those dollars helped save my life. Thank you again!

My dear friend Bridget is unbelievable. She completed all 60 miles! She's such an inspiration to me and I'm so happy that I was able to share this experience with her. Bridget, I love you!!

I've been asked already if I will do this again. I don't know that I will be able to walk it again, but I am considering participating as one of the volunteer crew members. It was an amazing experience and it would be great to be a part of it again some day.

Surgery Scheduled

I met with the gynecological oncologist today and really liked her. We have scheduled a complete hysterectomy for February 4th. And as Forest Gump would say, "that's all I have to say about that."

Giving Up More of Myself to Save Myself

My appointment Friday went as expected. I am now scheduled to see a gynecological oncologist on the 18th. This appointment will be to schedule a complete hysterectomy. I'm doing much better with this today than I was last week.

I will also be having a bone density test done soon. Removing my ovaries removes the estrogen from my system. This is great in the fight against cancer recurrence, but horrible for my bones. I will now have to be concerned with osteoporosis. At least that won't kill me.

I'm going to try to schedule surgery for just after the first of the year. I want to get through the holidays without major surgery and definitely without menopause symptoms. Who needs hot flashes and facial hair at Christmas time? They're not on my wish list this year I assure you.

So I'm again giving up more of myself to save myself. I don't have any regrets about the double mastectomies so I am hoping I will feel the same way about my reproductive organs too. Only time will tell.

Results Are In

Just when you think it's safe to go back in the water...BAM!! You have to face your cancer drama once again.

My genetic testing results are in: I'm POSITIVE for the BRCA2 gene mutation. This is good news for a few reasons:

1. We now know why I got cancer--genetic predisposition
2. I can be proactive in my continued cancer maintenance as well as opting for elective surgery to prevent ovarian cancer
3. My family now can be aware (Emma in particular) that cancer "runs in the family" and can have the appropriate screenings.

These positive results suck for the exact same reasons.

I now have an appointment with my oncologist on Friday to "discuss my results". Basically he's going to tell me my odds once again for developing ovarian cancer due to this gene mutation and in turn will offer me the option of an oophorectomy (removing my ovaries).

I still have to many emotions swirling through my brain right now to give any commentary, but to summarize how I feel: this sucks!

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

It's October 1st...you know what that means...pink ribbons everywhere! Yes, it's Breast Cancer Awareness Month again. I want to encourage all women to perform a self-exam this month. It only takes a few minutes and it literally could save your life. Why would you not do this for yourself and family. I also want to encourage you that if you should find a lump have it checked out immediately. Don't put it off and don't assume the worst. Knowledge is power!

The Susan G. Komen website has so much information concerning breast cancer. I have a link HERE for self-exam information.

Check yourself today. It saved my life...it could save yours too.