Below is some updated information and facts about breast cancer.

https://www.cancer.org/content/dam/cancer-org/research/cancer-facts-and-statistics/breast-cancer-facts-and-figures/breast-cancer-facts-and-figures-2019-2020.pdf

October 2021

 October...a month that is set aside to promote breast cancer awareness.  It is a month that is personally difficult for me, as I do not like to think about my breast cancer and the unexpected journey I was forced to travel.  Breast cancer changes your life in many ways that you never thought possible.  The never ending doctor visits, blood tests, exams, the list goes on and on, and the day that you await to hear you are good for 6 more months, or the dreaded words, your cancer has returned.  Breast Cancer is no respecter of persons, it doesn't matter if you are healthy, have no family history, it doesn't matter if you exercise daily, if you eat all the right foods, there is no rhymn or reason to how breast cancer picks you. As a woman do not rely only on the mammograms, they miss cancer, expescially if you have dense breast tissue.  Make sure you do monthly breast exams, notice any changes you see visually, this is important! My cancer was a slow growing cancer and even though I had mammograms every year since I was 35, I still got cancer.  You could not feel any lumps, I had very dense breast tissue, it wasn't until I noticed physical changes that I realized something had to be wrong.  By the time I saw physical changes it was too late the cancer had already spread.  So as we go through another month of breast cancer awareness, educate yourself, stay on top of your own breast cancer health, and even if you had a recent mammogram and you see or feel something in your breast, do not hesitate to get it check out immeditely.  Here is to another year of breast cancer health.  The pic above is of my youngest daughter Lauren and myself.  We are at a Vegas Golden Knight game to recognize cancer.  The focus was on any type of cancer but my daughter and I focused on breast cancer.  We are in matching beanies and scarfs that were given out that night to attendees.  

Time for an update...The last time I blogged, I stated that I wanted to stop the tamoxifen treatments since it has been 5 years.  When I had my appointment with my oncologist in December of 2020, she stated that I could stop the tamoxifen in April of 2021.  It has been a little over a month since I stopped the drug.  I am glad to be done with the drug.  To soon to tell how my body is going to react not having the drug in my body. 

Nail and skin changes

https://www.lbbc.org/learn/side-effects/nail-and-skin-changes

I am always amazed at how long it has been since I have posted in this blog.  I don't post often because posting is a reminder of the terrible journey of having breast cancer, and it is a journey I don't like to be reminded of.  I am coming up on my 5th year of being cancer free.  I am still taking the drug, tamoxifen. I saw my oncologist in June and stated to her it will be 5 years in December, can we discuss getting off of the tamoxifen, to which she replied, the medical community is now recommending that patients stay on the drug for 7 years now.  I am not surprised that she recommended that, I was expecting that, but with my research I have found it does not benefit the patient, maybe big drug pharmaceuticals.  At any rate, I use a lot of essential oils and intend to try pink pepper, it seems to have some good reviews.  For those of you who are just starting your journey, my thoughts and prayers are with you, and I wish you God speed.

October is fast approaching, soon we will begin to see a lot of pink in the stores, well...almost everywhere to remind of us Breast Cancer Awareness month.  I have attached the link for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk that is scheduled for October 28, 2018 at the Red Rock Casino.
Making Strides Breast Cancer Walk 2018

Breast Cancer Walk 2017

Target Team Members once again came out and supported me in the 2017 Breast Cancer Walk along with my mom.  I am honored you all came to walk on my behalf!

And the 2017 cancer walk is under way!

My mom and I at the Survivor tent.  My mom survived Colon Cancer and has been cancer free for 19 years! I would have never made it without her love and support!  Thank you mom.

My youngest daughter Lauren who has been one of my greatest cheerleader since my diagnosis.  Thank you Lauren for your love and support!

There have been many loved ones, family and friends who have loved me and supported me through this cancer journey who were not able to come and walk, I just want to say Thank You to all of you!