I am very glad to say that I am healing very well now. I am standing up straight and my left arm, which I wasn't able to lift beyond shoulder height, is starting to work quite well. I am now allowed to pick up anything up to 10 lbs. The exercises which Dr. Brandt is having me do really do work. I am only at week five, so my physical fitness level is not quite perfect, but everyday I get stronger. My surgery wounds are healing quite well, and I am getting used to having to my new set (which I can't feel.) It's like I am wearing a huge over-stuffed bra! :) (Hey, I might as well just lay it all out there! Just another reason to tell why breast cancer stinks big time.)
It is amazing to me how your body heals itself. One day I can't stand up straight (b/c my new abdomen was pulled tight) and then the next morning I get up out of bed, and, boom, I can instantly stand up. So very weird to me!
I have returned to my regular working hours at Covenant Seminary, which I am SUPER happy about. It has made me not only physically stronger, but mentally healthier. Gives me something to think about other than my healing.
Next week, I am meeting with my oncologist to go over my hormonal therapy. Yeah, I'm so excited (add sarcasm at will.) I will be taking Tamoxifen, which will block the estrogen receptors in any new cancer cells that decide to pop up. This drug will decreases the chance of reoccurrence tremendously. The side effects stink (mimics menopause), but it will, like chemo, possibly save my life.
Thank you for your love, Alicia
About Me
- Alicia Bradley
- Yucca Valley, CA
- My name is Alicia, and I am a three-year breast cancer survivor! I was diagnosed with bc in January 2005 at the age of 33. I had Stage 1/ Grade 2a Invasive Ductal Carcinoma Insitu in one breast. I endured a lumpectomy, a re-excision, chemotherapy, and then a double mastectomy (one prophylactic) with immediate free-flap reconstruction. This blog was orginally a website that my husband created for me to communicate my treatment schedule with my family. But it turned out to be more. It became a journal of journey through breast cancer treatment and surgeries. After being inactive for over a year, requests for it's return were highly numbered. I decided to republish it as a blog. I pray this will be a blessing and encouragement to you, whether you are newly diagnosed survivor or a loved one. The Lord is always faithful!
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